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Synopsis William Shakespeare, in terms of his life and his body of work, is the most written-about author in the history of Western civilization. His canon includes 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 epic narrative poems. The First critical study on Shakespeare was published posthumously in 1623 by two of Shakespear’s acting companions, John Heminges and Henry Condell. Ever since then, the works of Shakespeare have been studied, analyzed, and enjoyed as some of the finest masterpieces of the English language. It is all the more wondrous when one can study the works and see Shakespeare developing as a playwright right there upon the pages. Love’s Labours Lost and the early comedies are the work of a gifted and clever author. Perhaps such plays alone would have earned him literary fame in later days. The grandeur of a Hamlet or King Lear, however, is the work of a master who learned from his own writing and long practice. In his time, Shakespeare was the most popular playwright of London. As centuries have passed, his genius eclipses all others of his age; Johson, marlows, kyd, Greene, Dekker, Heywood-non approach the craft or the humanity of character that marks the Bard’s work. He took the art of dramatic verse and honed it to perfection. He created the most vivid characters of the Elizabethan or any other stage. His usage of language, both lofty and low, shows a remarkable wit and subtlety. Most importantly, his themes are so universal that they transcend generations to stir the imaginations of audiences even to this day.