Biography
William Shakespeare is the British poet and playright widely considered to be the greatest ever to write in the english language. He is also one of the most widely read playrights of all time, having most of his work translated in into every major living language. Though most historical accounts place his birth in April of 1564, little is known about his early years. The Shakespeare we now know makes his first real appearance as a playright in the late 1580's, and it is from this point on until his death in 1616 that the world was treated to some of the greatest works of fiction ever produced. These works include dramas, comedies, poems, historical fiction and more. His titles are beyond classic: "Hamlet", "Macbeth", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Romeo and Juliet" and "Henry V" are just a few of the works that are still being read, performed and translated to this day. Indeed, Shakespeare has been voted one of the most important people of the last millenium and all writers are indebted to the vibrant characterization, innovative plotting and philosophical scope he brought to the art of writing.
We Recommend
All of Shakespeare's plays are available on audio download through LearnOutLoud.com through the The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare Collection, which features every play written by the Bard and performed by a full cast. We also suggest The Sonnets, a collection of Shakespeare's poetry on love, alternately written with peerless wit, soulful despair, and inspired hopefulness. Finally for a good introduction of Shakespeare's classic plays, there's Hamlet, which is possibly Shakespeare's greatest artistic achievment. While anyone could arguably base their career on just one of Shakespeare's many plays, this story of a wayward prince set upon avenging his father's death stands out as an undisputable masterstroke and is the first place anyone should look when aquainting themselves with Shakespeare.