William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. He wrote some of the most famous plays and poems in history. People around the world still read and perform his works today.

Early Life

Shakespeare grew up in a small English town. He attended the local grammar school. He married Anne Hathaway when he was 18. He moved to London and began writing and acting in plays.

Big Achievements

Shakespeare wrote about 37 plays, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He also wrote 154 sonnets. He invented over 1,700 words that we still use today. He is considered the greatest writer in the English language.

Fun Facts

• Shakespeare invented words like eyeball, bedroom, and lonely.
• Nobody knows his exact birthday, only that he was baptized on April 26, 1564.
• He wrote comedies, tragedies, and histories.

Did You Know?

Shakespeare's plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Over 400 years after his death, his stories are still being turned into movies and musicals.