William Shakespeare (1564-1616), the most famous English writer, is also among the most popular. His fame and popularity rest on his plays more than on his nondramatic poetry -- though his sonnets remain perennially in fashion. What makes Shakespeare such a literary phenomenon? Why are readers so drawn to his work? Here are two simple explanations: 1.) his revelation of human character, especially his exploration of complex states of mind and feeling; 2.) his explosive and exuberant language, particularly the richness and variety of his metaphors. He is also eminently quotable.

Very little is known with certainty about Shakespeare's life. Scholars, however, have determined the following basic facts. He was born in Stratford-on-Avon in 1564. He attended the local grammar school, and his formal education does not include attendance at a university. Instead, at eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway, who bore three children. Shakespeare wrote and acted in plays, for by 1592 he was known in London as both actor and playwright.

Major Works by Shakespeare

Shakespeare and the Web

This is a great start page from Professor Terry Reilly at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. It’s a webliography organized into eight categories and a wonderful place to start your research.

Here's a link to The Complete Works in etext at Project Gutenberg.

This is the homepage of the Globe Theatre site, with links for everything from the Globe’s history to info about how to buy tickets for the current season.