The last half of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th centuries are known as the golden age of English literature. It was the time of the English Renaissance, and sometimes it is even called “the age of Shakespeare”.
William Shakespeare, the greatest and most famous of English writers, and probably the greatest playwright who has ever lived, was born on the 23d of April 1564, in Stratford-on-Avon. In sprite of his fame we know very little about his life. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove-maker, and when he fell into debt, William had to help him in the trade. His mother, Mary Arden was a farmer's daughter. William was the eldest of eight children. At the age of six he was sent to school, but had to leave it at the age of 13.…
