"To be, or not to be: that is the question." "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble." "Do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe"" William Shakespeare, author and playwright of these famous quotes, is the most widely quoted author in the world. He is often recognized as one of the greatest authors in the entire English language and its history. Shakespeare's plays have probably been performed more times than those of any other writer in history too.

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. His father, John, was a prosperous wool and leather merchant while; his mother, Mary, was from a family of a well social standing of the time. As a child, Shakespeare attended the Stratford Grammar School and mainly studied Latin and famous classical writers.

Shortly after turning eighteen years old, Shakespeare attained a license...