Explore the Lives and Works of Literary Greats: A Comprehensive Guide with Poet Portraits and Refreshed Biographies

William Shakespeare, the undisputed master of the English language, is regarded as the greatest playwright and poet of all time. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Shakespeare's life and works have been the subject of endless fascination and study.

Among his most famous works are the tragedies Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear, the comedies A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It, and the historical plays Henry V, Richard III, and Julius Caesar. Shakespeare's plays are known for their universal themes, complex characters, and exquisite use of language.

• Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564
• Married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18
• Moved to London in the early 1590s to pursue a career in the theatre
• Became a successful playwright and actor
• Wrote 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems
• Died in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1616

Emily Dickinson, an enigmatic and influential American poet, is renowned for her unique and insightful verse. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson lived a relatively secluded life, yet produced a vast body of work that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Dickinson's poems often explore themes of death, nature, and the human condition. Her work is characterized by its brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. Some of her most famous poems include "Because I could not stop for Death," "Hope is the thing with feathers," and "I'm nobody! Who are you?"

• Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830
• Lived a secluded life, rarely leaving her family home
• Wrote over 1,800 poems, most of which were published posthumously
• Known for her unique style, which includes unconventional punctuation and use of slant rhyme
• Explored themes of death, nature, and the human condition in her poems
• Died in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1886

Walt Whitman, an American poet, essayist, and journalist, is considered one of the most influential figures in American literature. Born in West Hills, Long Island, New York, Whitman's work celebrates the beauty and diversity of the American experience.

Whitman's most famous work, Leaves of Grass, is a collection of poems that explores themes of democracy, equality, and the human spirit. His poetry is characterized by its free verse form, expansive language, and unconventional style.

• Born in West Hills, Long Island, New York, in 1819
• Worked as a journalist, teacher, and government clerk
• Published the first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855
• Continued to revise and expand Leaves of Grass throughout his life
• Explored themes of democracy, equality, and the human spirit in his poetry
• Died in Camden, New Jersey, in 1892

Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist, actress, and civil rights activist, is renowned for her powerful and inspiring voice. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou overcame adversity throughout her life to become one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

Angelou's work often explores themes of race, gender, and identity. Her most famous work, the autobiographical poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," chronicles her experiences growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era. Angelou is also known for her powerful speeches and her commitment to social justice.

• Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928
• Published her first autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," in 1969
• Wrote over 30 books, including