20160421 【 Shakespeare 】

Shakespeare
400 years since the death of a genius
The most famous writer of all time?

April 23 marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death.

Shakespeare is probably the most famous author who ever lived and is considered a genius by most.

He wrote around 37 plays and 154 sonnets, and his work has been translated into over one hundred languages!

He penned beautiful metaphors , serious dramas and amusing tales.

In Shakespeare's lifetime , his plays were performed on stage to both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I.

Indeed, Queen Elizabeth directly influenced Shakespeare's work.

At her request, a supporting character from King Henry IV became the main character of The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Shakespeare was not just a famous poet and playwright.

He also gathered a reasonable fortune.

Shakespeare bought various theatre company shares and became a successful businessman and property owner.

Shakespeare also fathered eight children.

His wife , Anne Hathaway , was eight years his senior, and they married when he was only 18!

The couple and their children mainly lived in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

But , with his wealth, Shakespeare bought additional houses in both Stratford and London.