William Shakespeare, born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, remains the greatest playwright in the English language. The son of a glove maker, he rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated actor, poet, and dramatist in London. Over his lifetime, he composed thirty-seven plays and 154 sonnets, weaving tales of love, ambition, betrayal, and magic—from the tragedy of Hamlet to the romance of Romeo and Juliet. As co-owner of the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare transformed the stage forever. He died in 1616, yet his words live on, echoing through the centuries, reminding humanity of its passions, flaws, and dreams.
