About the Author: William Shakespeare William Shakespeare was a phenomenal English poet, playwright, and dramatist. William was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, and his birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23. The facts of his life, known from surviving documents, are sparse. He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a merchant of some standing in his community. William probably went to the Kings New School in Stratford, but he had no university education. By 1592 Shakespeare had gone to London working as an actor and already known as a playwright. Shakespeare became a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord Chamberlains Men. Here many of Shakespeares plays were performed by the most famous actors of his time. He also wrote poems, including Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. He died on April 23 1616, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.