William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the 'Bard of Avon'. His extant works, including collaborations, consist of approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and became an important member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men company of theatrical players from roughly 1594 onward.