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
- Son of John Shakespeare, a glover and alderman, and Mary Arden.
- Likely attended King Edward VI Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon, though records are incomplete.
- Married Anne Hathaway in 1582.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence in London's theatrical scene in the late 16th century.
- A key shareholder and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later the King's Men).
- Wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and several other poems.
- His plays were performed at the Globe Theatre and other venues.
- Became a wealthy and respected figure in Stratford-upon-Avon later in life.
Notable Works
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tragedies | Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet |
| Comedies | A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew |
| Histories | Richard III, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry V |
| Sonnets | Shakespeare's Sonnets (154 sonnets) |
Legacy and Impact
William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works have been translated into every major living language and are constantly studied, performed, and reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts throughout the world. Understanding Shakespeare's impact often begins with reading texts such as the yoichi shimadzu biography of william shakespeare, which, while fictional, illuminates various facets of his life and enduring influence.