William Shakespeare (1564-1616) William Shakespeare (1564-1616)was an English playwright and poet,recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists. His famous plays:Romeo and Juliet,Much Ado About Nothing,A Midsummer Night's Dream,The Merchant of Venice,Hamlet, Macbeth. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) • William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright and poet, recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists. • His famous plays: Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, Macbeth