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The Vintage Book Addicts Blog

Five Interesting Facts: William Shakespeare

April 17, 2022

Five Interesting Facts: William Shakespeare-reading vintage

Who was William Shakespeare?

 Many people consider Shakespeare, the most influential British writer of all time. He wrote the blockbuster plays of his day - some of his most famous are Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.

Enjoy these Five Interesting Facts: William Shakespeare

1. Shakespeare's parents were almost undoubtedly illiterate.

It's possible that John and Mary Shakespeare never learned to read or write, as was common among individuals of their status throughout the Elizabethan period. Some claim that John's civic responsibilities would have necessitated basic literacy, yet he always signed his name with a mark in any case.

2. Shakespeare's father worked a variety of professions, including one where he was paid to drink beer. 

In 1551, Shakespeare's father, John, relocated to Stratford-upon-Avon and began dabbling in various enterprises, including selling leather products, wool, malt, and maize. He was named the borough's official "ale taster" in 1556, which meant he was in charge of examining bread and malt liquors.

3. What were Shakespeare's favorite pastimes?

Shakespeare was a fan of board games, including chess, draughts, backgammon, and card games. However, he most likely enjoyed wrestling, which was prominent during Elizabethan times.

4. He married Anne Hathaway when he was 18 years old. 

She was a farmer's daughter and was eight years his senior. Because Anne was 3 months pregnant at their wedding, it was announced and executed fast. They had three children together throughout their marriage. Unfortunately, his only son Hamnet died tragically when he was only 11 years old. Shakespeare's children were illiterate, despite their father's genius.

5. Shakespeare's Died in 1616 

With a curse, Shakespeare's epitaph wards off would-be tomb robbers.  Shakespeare supposedly had the foresight and money to pen the epitaph over his tomb. This verse was intended to prevent many grave robbers who raided England's graveyards.

"Good friend, for Jesus' sake, forbeare. To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, and cursed be he that moves my bones." 

It must have done the trick since Shakespeare's remains have yet to be disturbed.

Bonus Fact

The word "love" appears 150 times in Shakespeare's classic play Romeo and Juliet.

Learn More About William Shakespeare, the playwright through his published works

You can learn more William Shakespeare by reading the books I have on Reading Vintage's shelves written by the Baird. Each of Shakespeare's works has a strong theme. Love, death, ambition, power, fate, and free will, to name a few, are all themes that are still important today. As a result, Shakespeare's works have a timeless and worldwide appeal. They're also more relatable as a result of this.

Shakespeare's Influence is still felt today.

Shakespeare coined hundreds of words and phrases still used by English authors and people today. His writings are still relevant because they teach us how to be human and raise timeless human themes. You will feel his Influence when you browse the many vintage books in the Vintage Classic Fiction Collection.

Happy reading,

Pam of Reading Vintage

Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.-William Shakespeare

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Happy Reading,

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