Birth and death dates of William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright - April 23, 1564

Widely recognized as one of the best – if not the best – English writer of all time, William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town in southern England. He wrote 38 known plays, over 150 sonnets, and an array of additional poems. He is known as England’s reigning national poem and is popularly known as The Bard or the The Bard of Avon. Famous during his own lifetime, Shakespeare achieved immortality and additional fame after his death. His works have been translated into every major language in the world today.

Shakespeare’s father was a glover and alderman and his mother was a member of the gentry. Scholars believe that his most prolific period lasted from 1586 until 1612, with the bulk of his plays and sonnets being created during this time. He is famous for his timeless plays and is considered a genius in crafting comedies and tragedies. Shakespeare, today, is the most commonly quoted author in the world and many of his words and quotes are part of common culture throughout the English speaking world.

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