English dramatist and poet William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He left the Latin school at the age of 15. Instead of completing a university education, Shakespeare studied life and became a reliable chronicler of his times. The Elizabethan era in which Shakespeare grew up was one of the most interesting in the modern age, marked by departures and changes, but with no set direction. The theatre was popular as a venue for all social strata and provided solid entertainment. Shakespeare probably began living in London in 1590, where he had a decisive influence on the theatre world and soon took a leading role.
Among his most famous dramas are the tragedies »Romeo and Juliet«, »Julius Caesar«, »Hamlet«, »King Lear« and »Macbeth«, as well as the comedies »A Midsummer Night's Dream«, »The Merchant of Venice« and »Much Ado About Nothing«. His cycle of 154 sonnets occupies a prominent position among his lyrical works.
His final years were spent back in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he died a wealthy man in 1616.