William Shakespeare – England

William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights.

Shakespeare was a respected poet and playwright in his own day, but his reputation did not rise to its present heights until the 19th century. The Romantics, in particular, acclaimed Shakespeare's genius, and the Victorians worshipped Shakespeare. In the 20th century, his plays remain highly popular and are constantly studied, performed and reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts throughout the world.

Known Literary Works:

·         Hamlet

·         King Lear

·         Macbeth

·         Julius Caesar

·         Othello

·         Romeo and Julliet