During his lifetime Shakespeare, while well known and financially successful, was less popular than his rival Ben Jonson. After his death Shakespeare’s plays were infrequently performed, and Jonson was clearly considered the superior playwright. As is often the case with artists, Shakespeare’s obscurity was followed by a rediscovery in the 19th century, and now Ben Johson’s work is all but forgotten while Shakespeare is revered and ubiquitous.

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon to a locally prominent family. His father John was a businessman who held the equivalent position to town mayor. William probably attended the local school but did not go to university. At age 18 he married Anne Hathaway. The couple had two girls and a boy who died at age 11. There are few details of Shakespeare’s career which are beyond dispute, but it is generally acknowledged that he spent some time as an actor before turning his full attention to writing plays. His career as a playwright took place in London over a period of about 20 years; his plays were staged at the recently renovated Globe Theatre.