William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

Works

He wrote around 39 plays and 154 sonnets. His tragedies include Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet; his comedies and histories are equally celebrated.

Influence

Shakespeare enriched English with hundreds of words and phrases still used today, and his plays are performed worldwide in many languages.

Legacy

Often called the "Bard of Avon", he remains central to literature and theatre studies globally.

Frequently asked questions

What did Shakespeare write?

Plays and sonnets, including Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

Why is Shakespeare important?

He shaped English literature and language and is the most performed playwright in history.