Living during a period of artistic energy, the Black Death, a strong monarch's reign, and the rise and fall of his theatre, William Shakespeare not only contributed substantially to the literary canon, but also contributed to-and was impacted by-the economic, social, and artistic conditions of the Elizabethan era.

About Shakespeare

One of the greatest writers of all time, William Shakespeare's impressive body of work has delighted, riveted, and inspired readers and audiences all over the world for centuries. But who was Shakespeare? In this biography, you will find out about the life of the man behind such timeless classics as Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.

Elizabethan England

What did people living in the 16th-17th century eat? What hairstyle was considered fashionable during this time? Why was this period in history called "Elizabethan"? The answers to these questions and more can be found in this section.

The Globe

Just as Shakespeare transcends time with his literary legacy, his theatre has lasted through three incarnations and exists today, still a venue for the performances of Shakespeare's plays. In this section, you can find out about the Globe Theatre's interesting history.

TimeLinks

This timeline highlights important events that span the lifetime of Shakespeare. Here you will find significant markers in the Bard's life, as well as historical moments in England and all over the world.