William Shakespeare was born on this date, April 23rd, in 1564 in Stratford, England.
Shakespeare, one of the greatest literary geniuses in all history, was largely self-taught.
He never attended any university or institution of higher learning.
Legend has it that at the tender age of eleven, young William saw the pageantry associated with Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Kenilworth Castle near Stratford and later recreated this scene many times in his plays.
William was married at the age of eighteen to Anne Hathaway, who was seven or eight years older than the young playwright.
The couple had eight children, including twins Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died at the age of 11, in 1596, and was buried at Stratford. The other children all lived into adulthood.
Shakespeare lived through the time of the Black Death, an epidemic that killed over 33,000 in London alone in 1603 when Will was 39. The plague later returned in 1608.
Shakespeare was a prolific author, writing his first play Henry VI, when he was 25. Altogether, he wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets.
William was also an actor who performed in many of his own plays as well as those of other playwrights, including Ben Jonson.
Not a one of Shakespeare's plays was actually published during his lifetime. They were apparently written only to be performed.
Fortunately, two of his fellow actors, John Heminge and Henry Condell, gathered 36 of Shakespeare's plays and published them in 1623 in a collection known as The First Folio. This collection is the source from which all published Shakespearean plays are derived.
Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52.
Unlike most famous artists of his time, he did not die in poverty.
His will contained several large holdings of land.
You can listen to a couple of programs based on Shakespeare's plays "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Macbeth" at Jim's site: http://www.homeschoolradioshows.com
Also, Jim's "Shakespeare for the Ears" collection may be seen for a limited time (just a few more days) at:
Jim, who by the way is a homeschool dad, has put together some great stuff in this collection and I can personally recommend the Shakespeare set. While you're there, check out his other unique resources!
This blog features news, events, articles, field trips, educational opportunities, legislative updates, website links, and other resources for the Arizona homeschool community... from the Arizona State Coordinator for TOS Homeschool Nation. Happy Homeschooling! ~Teri
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Andros Books Publishing Susanne Bain, a good friend of mine and author of Home Schooling: A Better Education For Your Child, gives FREE homeschool workshops once per month at the Arrowhead Barnes & Noble bookstore in Peoria. Click here for schedule.
The Salt Seller Tami Lopez, another friend of mine, gives FREE homeschool workshops on the 3rd Monday of every month at the Fire Station on Belmont & 27th Ave. in West Phoenix. Click here for more info.
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See also Len Munsil's blog. Len is a Christian homeschool dad of many years who is running for governor.
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1.) Most items posted in this blog are compiled from articles and information I've found on the web, or that have been e-mailed to me. I always provide links to the original source when possible. 2.) This information is provided for your personal education or consideration only; it does not necessarily imply that any such products, services, or resources are endorsed or advocated by TOS or myself. Please investigate all businesses prior to using any services. 3.) My own articles that I post here may not be reprinted without permission, but I will be happy to grant permission in most cases - all you have to do is ask! :) 4.) Just so you know, I am not an employee of TOS but rather a homeschool mom who volunteers my time to help educate, inform, and encourage Arizona homeschoolers. 5.) Event locations and times are subject to change without notice.
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