William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the 'Bard of Avon'. His works consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses. His plays have been translated ... Read moreinto every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Show Less