Shakespeare, William

CE5

Shakespeare, William, 1564–1616, English dramatist and poet, b. Stratford-upon-Avon. He is widely considered the greatest playwright who ever lived.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Authorship
• Critical Opinion
• The Poetry
• Editions and Sources
• Appeal and Influence
• Chronology of Composition
• Life
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2025, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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