Remarkable People

We were inspired to look more closely at some of the key figures that appear in our Little History books by an interaction with a reader on the Little History facebook page. We really liked the idea of finding out what the series has to say about all sorts of ‘remarkable people’, both heroes and villains, and we’re putting together this resource for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for help with your homework (!), or trying to fill a gap in your knowledge, Little History books and their cast of characters have plenty to offer.

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William Shakespeare

English poet and playwright known as the 'Bard of Avon'

1564 – 1616

William Shakespeare is one of the world’s most well known playwrights and considered by many to be the greatest writer in the English language. He is known for his collections of poetry as well as for his plays, of which there are thirty-eight credited to his name. Shakespeare was and still is praised for his ability to write comedies, tragedies, histories and romances, all of which were written about and for people from all societal ranks, from the common peasant to the king or queen. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on 23 April 1564. He also died in Stratford-upon-Avon on 23 April 1616. His birth and death date are recognised by the World Book Night committee who have chosen 23 of April to hold World Book Night in the UK, Ireland, the US and Germany.

Mentioned in

A Little History of Literature

In A Little History of Literature, Sutherland introduces great classics in his own irresistible way, enlivening his offerings with humour as well as learning: Beowulf, Shakespeare, Don Quixote, the Romantics, Dickens, Moby Dick, The Waste Land, Woolf, …

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A Little Book of Language

Language forms a part of everything we do, even when there are no words. It is the means by which we think about, understand and share in the world. A Little Book of Language, taking in much, much more than the history of language, whisks us from a bab …

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