William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist, was an English playwright, poet, and actor, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. His oeuvre includes 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. He is often called England's national poet and the 'Bard of Avon.' Shakespeare's works have been translated into every majo...