William Shakespeare[1] (eng. William Shakespeare /ˈʃeɪkspɪə/[2], the exact date of birth is unknown baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon — April 23 (may 3) 1616,Stratford-upon-Avon) is an English playwright of Elizabethan era. One of the most famous playwrights in the world, the author of at least 17 comedies, 10 Chronicles, 11 tragedies, 5 poems and a cycle of 154 sonnets. Shakespeare considered the greatest English playwright of all time. He is considered a national hero and one of the symbols of England.