William Shakespeare was an English poet, dramatist, and actor.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English poet, dramatist, and actor. He attended grammar school, where he learned Latin, history, and poetry. He did not go on to a university, instead marrying Anne Hathaway at the age of 18. It's unknown what he did for the next 8 years of his life.

In 1582, Shakespeare was mentioned in a pamphlet written by another dramatist, Robert Greene. The mention was not complimentary, calling him an "upstart crow." Beginning in 1594, he was a member of the Lord Chamberlin company of players (also called The King's Men). The troupe performed at the Globe Theater. From the writings of most of his colleagues, he was a well-loved and respected man.

Shakespeare wrote his complete works in 20 years. He died in 1616; his beloved Anne lived to 1623.

Shakespeare's Epitaph

Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blest be the man that spares these stones,
And curst be he that moves my bones.

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Online Resources about William Shakespeare

• Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet - start here.
• Shakespeare Web - includes a java-based poetry game and today in Shakespearean history.
• Yahoo's Shakespeare links
• Shakespeare's Monologues
• The Shakespeare Mystery - from PBS
• The Internet Shakespeare Editions
• Surfin' With the Bard

Related Works

• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - online with a handy search engine.
• Shakespeare in print
• Drama and Plays
• Sonnets
• Poetry

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