William Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated literary figures in Western culture. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare is known for his plays, sonnets and long-form poems, which have become synonymous with the English language itself. With works that are still being studied and performed worldwide over 400 years after his death, Shakespeare is without a doubt one of the most important and influential writers in history.

Shakespeare was the third of eight children born to John and Mary Shakespeare. Many of the details of his early life are unclear, but it is known that he attended the local grammar school in Stratford, where he likely received a classical education. His first career move was as an actor in London, where he wrote and performed in plays that quickly gained popularity thanks to their wit, humor, and emotional depth.

Despite being a prolific writer and actor during his lifetime, Shakespeare was not an immediate or unanimous success. In fact, it was not until the 19th century that his work was widely recognized as the masterpiece it is today. However, in the intervening years, Shakespeare's plays have been performed countless times, translated into dozens of languages, and adapted for film, television, and other media, cementing his place in history as a true giant of literature.

Shakespeare's works are notable for their exploration of human nature, their exploration of themes like love, ambition, power, and betrayal, and their rich language and poetry. It is this combination of emotional depth, philosophical complexity, and lyrical style that has made Shakespeare an enduring influence on literature, theatre, and popular culture. Even four centuries after his death, he remains one of the most widely read and performed writers in the world, and his impact on the arts and on our understanding of what it means to be human is undeniable.