One of a wool merchant's eight children, young William Shakespeare became an actor and playwright in London; 400 years later, he remains the best-known author in the world. But who was he, and how did he do it? This illustrated tribute contains hundreds of images and facts that encapsulate the achievements of this amazing yet mysterious man, including of course his universally admired plays and sonnets. Whether you are a student or a lifelong fan, you may also benefit from the "Who's Who" section, a guide to the characters and the sources of the plays.