This William Shakespeare character is supposed to be a big deal, so the entirety of England – and especially his birthplace and ancestral home of Stratford-Upon-Avon – is making a very special occasion of his 450th birthday.
I’ve done some research, and I know for a fact that he’s never written for any of the magazines or online publications I’ve contributed to — ever. And, he never wrote any episodes of Seinfeld or Friends. So, how good can he be?
Still, he seems to be the consensus pick for “Greatest Writer in the History of the English Language.” Some people would just as soon name him the best scribe in the history of the planet — though they didn’t even ask me if I wanted to be nominated.
I guess it’s worth making a fuss for a writer who wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He single-handedly invented more than 1700 words and more than 150 common phrases used in English to this very day. In fact, Shakespeare is the second most quoted author of any language in history, behind only the author of The Bible (and HE couldn’t even manage a second book).
Incidentally, the third most quoted author? Obviously, that’s William Shatner. After him? You’d be surprised, but it’s Roger Hargreaves. But, I digress.
To celebrate Shakespeare’s landmark anniversary, Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company based therein are mounting a yearlong celebration with activities and productions scheduled to honor The Bard for tourists and literary fans from around the world.
Thou may sample yon gallery of Shakespearian imagery beloweth. Hark:
Stratford-Upon-Avon Celebrates 450th Birthday of Shakespeare
Stratford-Upon-Avon and all of England is celebrating the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare in 2014.
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William Shakespeare's Birthplace
Stratford-Upon-Avon's high street is built around Shakespeare's birthplace and ancestral home.
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The Shakespeare Centre
The Shakespeare Centre stands adjacent to the author's birthplace and includes a shop and exhibits on the great writer.
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The River Avon
The great author Ben Jonson called his friend Shakespeare "The Sweet Swan of Avon" since The Bard grew up near the banks of the river.
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'As You Like It' Quote
Statues marking the central square of Stratford-Upon-Avon's high street celebrate some of Shakespeare's countless quotable lines.
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Henry V Statue
Along the banks of the River Avon, a state of Shakespeare rises high above four of his most famous creations – Hamlet, Henry V, Falstaff and Lady MacBeth.
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"To be or not to be..."
The status of Hamlet contemplates life and death near the banks of the River Avon.
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Jester Statue
The Jester statue on the end of Stratford-Upon-Avon's high street celebrates Shakespeare's use of the wise fool in sharing his philosophies of life.
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Royal Shakespeare Company
The RSC Theatre on the banks of the River Avon is home to a new 1040 seat performance space thanks to a £112.8 million renovation.
