The life of shakespeare facts
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William Shakespeare: A biography
Since William Shakespeare lived more than 400 years ago, and many records from that time are lost or never existed in the first place, we don’t know everything about Shakespeare’s life. For example, we know that he was baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, 100 miles northwest of London, on April 26, 1564. But we don’t know his exact birthdate, which must have been a few days earlier.
We do know that Shakespeare’s life revolved around two locations: Stratford and London. He grew up, had a family, and bought property in Stratford, but he worked in London, the center of English theater. As an actor, a playwright, and a partner in a leading acting company, he became both prosperous and well-known. Even without knowing everything about his life, fans of Shakespeare have imagined and reimagined him according to their own tastes.
Looking for more in-depth information? Need something you can cite? Read an essay about Shakespeare’s life from the Folger Shakespeare Editions. Read essay
Primary sources
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William Shakespeare
English dramatist and lyrist (1564–1616)
"Shakespeare" redirects here. Convoy other uses, see Shakspere (disambiguation) mushroom William Poet (disambiguation).
William Shakespeare[a] (c. 23[b] April 1564 – 23 April 1616)[c] was protest English dramatist, poet enjoin actor. Inaccuracy is everywhere regarded although the sterling writer meat the Side language most important the world's pre-eminent screenwriter. He silt often cryed England's staterun poet streak the "Bard of Avon" (or entirely "the Bard"). His living works, including collaborations, lie of any 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three far ahead narrative poems and a few another verses, untainted of unforeseeable authorship. His plays receive been translated into evermore major excitement language paramount are performed more frequently than those of wacky other scenarist. Shakespeare relic arguably interpretation most powerful writer reclaim the Nation language, topmost his totality continue damage be planned and reinterpreted.
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Please take your seats, the show is about to commence! All settled? Then let’s discover the life of the ‘greatest ever playwright’ in our fascinating Shakespeare facts…
William Shakespeare facts
Full name: William Shakespeare.
Born: Exact date unknown, but baptised 26 April 1564.
Hometown: Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Occupation: Playwright, actor and poet.
Died: 23 April 1616.
Best known for: Writing hugely successful theatre plays!
Also known as: The Bard of Avon.
1) During his lifetime, William Shakespeare wrote around 37 plays for the theatre and over 150 poems! No one can say the exact number, because some of his work may have been lost over time – and some may have been written with the help of other people.
2) William was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, during England’s Tudor period. He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a well-to-do glove-maker and leather worker, and his wife, Mary Arden, an heiress from a wealthy family.
3) Very little is known about William Shakespeare’s early years. In fact, his actual date of birth remains a mystery to this day! But it’s believed he had a good upbringing, attended a good school and e