This paper is a biography of William Shakespeare. He may be lauded as the author of popularly admired literature done by any individual in the history of Western civilization. (Grolier 1996) He may be the most influential writer in all of English literature or the most important dramatis and poet of the English Renaissance. (Spark notes) But William Shakespeare will still be, to most, the greatest playwright of all time. He was, in fact, a public and critical success (Spark Notes) in the field of theater, particularly as a favorite of both Elizabeth I and James I who reigned in succession (1558- 1603 and 1603-1625, respectively), King James granting Shakespeare's company with the royal status as king's players. For this, Shakespeare was immensely popular and wealthy till his death in 1616, but such popularity cannot compare with that which has survived him today and not just in England, but also throughout the world.
