One
Including collaborations with others, William Shakespeare authored approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His works have been translated into every major living language and are the most performed works of any playwright.
Two
Shakespeare was only 18 when he married the 26-year-old, Anne Hathaway. The marriage was performed in haste and six months later, his wife gave birth to their first daughter.
Three
Queen Elizabeth I and James VI of Scotland and I of England gave Shakespeare’s plays the royal seal of approval and would often hire his company to perform at court.
Four
He died within one month of writing his will, in which he claims to have been in perfect health.
Five
Shakespeare wrote a curse to go on his headstone which is at the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
‘Good friend for Jesus’ sake forbear,
To dig the dust enclosed here.
Blessed be the man that spares these stones,
And cursed be he that moves my bones.’
Love history like I do? Check out the History, Books and Wine podcast, where Eliza Knight, Madeline Martin, and I share our love of the past. http://historybooksandwine.buzzsprout.com/
Quite the accomplishments! And I say I don’t have enough time to write every day!