William Shakespeare was born some time in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in
1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's
pre-eminent dramatist. Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and
Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Peter Holland is McMeel Family
Professor in Shakespeare Studies in the Department of Film Television and Theatre at the
University of Notre Dame.
