as both the greatest writer in theEnglish language, and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.He is often called England'snational poet, and the "Bard of Avon".His extant works, includingcollaborations, consist of approximately39 plays.154 sonnets, two longnarrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every majorliving language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare was born and raised inStratford-upon-Avon,Warwickshire. At the age of 18, he marriedAnne Hathaway, with whom he had three children:Susanna, and twinsHamnetandJudith. Sometime between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of aplaying companycalled theLord Chamberlain's Men, later known as theKing's Men. At age 49 (around 1613), he appears to have retired to Stratford, where he died three years later. Few records of Shakespeare's private life survive; this has stimulated
