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​​Shakespeare
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Learn the key ideas of the book by Peter Ackroyd

​​Shakespeare

The life and times of one of the most influential writers in history

Peter Ackroyd, the author of Shakespeare: A Biography, draws on his intricate knowledge of London’s history, and diligent research into William Shakespeare, to take the reader on a journey through the events that took Shakespeare from his birth-town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and led him to become one of the greatest and most revered writers in the history of world theatre and literature. The book guides us through Shakepeare’s post-mediaeval London streets, while listening to the same sounds, breathing in the same smells, and feeling the same apprehension over the frequent riots and disturbances of that time.

​​Shakespeare
Read in 15 min.
Listen in 19 min.
IDEA CHIAVE 1/7

Although one might typically associate Shakespeare with the city of London, he was and remains best known as a citizen of Stratford-upon-Avon

For many people, English playwright William Shakespeare is inextricably linked to the city of London: it was here, after all, that his work coincided with the rise of theatre culture, spanning the period of time between the late mediaeval era and the modern age. In reality, however, Shakespeare was born in the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon, and always maintained close ties with his birthplace, even at the height of his fame in London. Some people believe that the place in which we are born becomes a fundamental part of who we are, and has an impact on our entire life, and this was certainly true for William Shakespeare: Stratford-upon-Avon played an important role in the playwright’s life story, personality, and incredible works. Certain settings and characters in his plays are almost certainly references to the town where he grew up, and he uses local terms in his work, such as for the many different kinds of flowers he refers to. Shakespeare’s language is also reminiscent of his roots, making it even more vibrant, although the many modernisations of his plays tend to standardise the lively and colourful idioms that distinguish the original versions.

Our family and personal history have a profound impact on our personality and careers, so it is also important to take a closer look at Shakespeare’s background. He was born on the 23rd of April 1564 to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden, a high-standing and well respected couple in the village of Stratford-upon-Avon. John Shakespeare was likely a Catholic, and this affected the family, as the only accepted religion at the time was Protestantism; Catholicism was banned, and anyone caught professing the Catholic faith was fined and could even have their land confiscated. The reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who came to the throne in 1588, also imposed many other restrictions, which affected Shakespeare’s personal life and work: on the one hand, the Elizabethan period is typically remembered as the dawning of a new and exciting cultural movement that marked the end of the mediaeval period; on the other hand, however, the monarchy ruled over the entire country with an iron fist, and the era was defined by violence, short life expectancy, and plagues.

Despite suspicions surrounding their religion, the Shakespeare family flourished and became prominent members of the community in Stratford-upon-Avon, and John Shakespeare was a respected merchant, glove maker, and politician for many decades. The family was wealthy, and it is believed that they had a close and loving relationship with each other, and both of these factors may well have saved William Shakespeare from a premature death, as infant mortality rates were shockingly high at the time. The fact that William was sent to school, where he learnt to read and write, is a testament to the family’s prominence and standing; it is believed that John Shakespeare, on the other hand, was able to read, but not to write.

At just eighteen years old, William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior. They had three children, Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith, and remained married until Anne’s death.

  

The key ideas of "​​Shakespeare"

01.
Although one might typically associate Shakespeare with the city of London, he was and remains best known as a citizen of Stratford-upon-Avon
02.
The rise of theatre culture in London coincided with William Shakespeare’s arrival in the city
03.
Lord Chamberlain’s Men turned Shakespeare’s career around
04.
The Globe Theatre changed the face of theatre in England
05.
The death of Elizabeth I, and the coronation of the new King of England, triggered the rise to fame of Shakespeare and his theatre company
06.
Quotes
07.
Take-home message
 
 
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