This document provides an overview of William Shakespeare's life and works. It summarizes that Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford, England and wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets in his lifetime. Some of his most famous works discussed are Romeo and Juliet, which tells the story of two star-crossed lovers, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, a confusing yet amusing comedy involving intertwined lovers and tricks played by fairies. Shakespeare's plays continue to be adapted and interpreted in modern films and productions.