Shakespeare
His life and works

Biography | Chronology of Major Works

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Biography

William Shakespeare was born in  Stratford-on-Avon, England on April 23, 1564. His father was a glovemaker and later bailiff; his mother was the daughter of a well-to-do landowner. His parents had eight children and William was the oldest. Although no records exist to prove the fact, Shakespeare probably attended a Stratford grammar school where he studied Latin grammar, literature, rhetoric, and logic. He may have left school around 1577 and legend says he worked as a butcher's apprentice. His marriage to Anne Hathaway took place in 1582; she was eight  years his senior and pregnant at the time of the wedding. There is no evidence concerning Shakespeare's activities between 1585 and 1592.   He probably served as an apprentice revising old plays for a few years. By 1594 Shakespeare had become a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, who were performing at the Theatre in Shoreditch. He continued as a member of this company which constructed the Globe Theatre in 1599, and in 1603, became the King's Men, until he retired from the stage in 1611 or 1612.  From 1613 until his death on April 23, 1616, , Shakespeare led the life of a prosperous citizen in his native town.  [Excerpted from: Critical Survey of Drama, vol 5 /PN 623 C75  REF]

See also

	Critical Survey of Drama, vol. 5 / PR 623 C75 REF
	William Shakespeare: His World, His Work, His Influence, vol. 2 / PR 2976 W5354 REF
	Cyclopedia of World Authors, vol. 2 /PN 451 C93 REF
	International Dictionary of Theatre: Playwrights, vol. 2 /PN 2035 I 49 REF
	The Shakespeare Resource Center Includes biographical information, social history, play synopses, and  more.
	The Collected Works of William Shakespeare Includes biographical information, social history, play synopses, and more.
	Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet

[Excerpted from: International Dictionary of Theatre- Playwrights /PN2035 .I49 1992 REF ]

 

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