William Shakespeare, the best-known figure in Renaissance literature, if no t all of literature, was born April 23, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, a town near London. His father John Shakespeare, held many jobs, from leather goods salesman to ale taster, culminating in a position as Stratford's High Bailiff, or town mayor. Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden Shakespeare, had eight children with John. Because Shakespeare's paren t were well off, he was able to atten grammar school- a luxury not every household could afford in 16th century England. For thos e who could afford it, ho…
