William Shakespeare
- Born:
- Baptised April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Died:
- April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Poet, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to John Shakespeare, a glover and leather merchant, and Mary Arden, daughter of a wealthy farmer.
- Likely attended the King's New School in Stratford-upon-Avon, receiving a classical education.
- Limited documented evidence of formal higher education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his theatrical career in London, likely around the late 1580s or early 1590s.
- Became a shareholder in the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men), a prominent acting company.
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, including tragedies, comedies, histories, and romances.
- His plays were performed at the Globe Theatre and other venues in London.
- Also wrote 154 sonnets and several narrative poems.
Notable Works
Plays
| Category | Title | Estimated Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tragedy | Hamlet | c. 1600-1601 |
| Tragedy | Othello | c. 1603 |
| Tragedy | King Lear | c. 1605-1606 |
| Tragedy | Macbeth | c. 1606 |
| Comedy | A Midsummer Night's Dream | c. 1595-1596 |
| Comedy | Twelfth Night | c. 1601-1602 |
| History | Richard III | c. 1592-1593 |
| History | Henry V | c. 1599 |
Poetry
- Sonnets (154)
- Venus and Adonis
- The Rape of Lucrece
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. His plays continue to be studied, performed, and adapted globally, influencing literature, language, and culture across centuries. As shown in analyses such as the 'rikki beadle blair biography of william', his works offer profound insights into human nature and explore universal themes of love, loss, ambition, and revenge.