William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He was an English playwright, poet, actor, and shareholder in the theatrical company known first as the Lord Chamberlain's Men and later as the King's Men. Although relatively little is known with certainty about his private life, surviving records show that he built a successful career in the London theater before retiring to Stratford.Shakespeare wrote comedies, histories, tragedies, romances, and narrative poems. His best-known works include Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, and the history plays centered on English kings. His writing is celebrated for its memorable characters, psychological depth, verbal invention, dramatic structure, and extraordinary ability to move between humor, violence, political conflict, and intimate emotion.Shakespeare died in 1616. Seven years later, fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell published the First Folio, preserving many plays that might otherwise have been lost. His works have since been translated into numerous languages and performed throughout the world, securing his place as one of the most influential writers in literary and theatrical history.
