INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE'S LINES Condensed biography: Born circa 23 April 1564, and died 23 April 1616, in Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England. Son to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. Brother to Gilbert, Joan, Anne, Richard and Edmund. Husband to Mary Hathaway. Father to Susanna, Hamnet and Judith (twins). Grandfather to Susanna's daughter Elizabeth. Schooled at King's New School Career as writer, poet, dramatist and businessman. Literary works: plays, sonnets and narrative poems. Reputation as the world's greatest playwright.