William Shakespeare grew up in a small town in England during the Elizabethan era. As a young man his father's business suffered financial difficulties, and Shakespeare was unable to continue his Latin studies and was forced to help his father support his brother and sister. After he married and had three children he worked hard to support his extended family. Feeling unfulfilled, he decided to seek his fortune in London. In this beautifully illustrated book, learn how Shakespeare persevered through plagues, limited education, and family tragedy to become one of the most revered playwrights and poets in history, whose works continue to entertain audiences more than 400 years after his birth.