William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare, the playwright, had a life of virtual mystery, intrigue and relative sadness. Shakespeare grew up with a modest upbringing and was known to have only completed elementary school. Although he did not attend college, he would become one of the greatest literary success stories in history. The mysteries surrounding William Shakespeare's life are perpetuated with reference to the 'lost years'; two distinct time periods, 1578 to 1582 and 1585 to 1592, in which Shakespeare seemed to have fallen off the vine. I will discuss the city Shakespeare is from, excerpts from his works, and information not commonly discussed. Followed by a summary of my research. I recently had the opportunity to take my family on a trip to learn and support my research paper, as we visited William Shakespeare's hometown; Stratford-upon-Avon, a small rustic but aesthetically pleasing town, centered on the River Avon, in the heart of the United Kingdom. The contemporary version of the town is an eclectic mix of old and new buildings and structures, capturing the essence of William Shakespeare and the folklore he brought to all of Warwickshire. A panoramic view from any location along the river banks seems like a prime location to invigorate almost anyone's "creative juices"; it's just so beautiful. In homage to Shakespeare, the Royal Shakespeare Company performs to sold-out audiences, almost year-round, at a venue on the banks of the Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon has meticulously maintained the veneration of William Shakespeare in both life and death and is a must see for anyone researching him or wanting to come to Europe to learn.William Shakesp......half of the sheet......it started me on a path of knowledge that I honestly never wanted to follow. From my readings to my visits and including my family in the research process, I have changed. William Shakespeare, although a man of many mysteries, can be defined in the knowledge that every man lives life hoping only to find a passion that will drive him towards the forms of expression that William Shakespeare perfected. BIBLIOGRAPHY Online: http://www.mcgoodwin.net/pages/otherbooks/ws venusadonis.htmlhttp://shakespeare.palomar.edu/life.htmhttp://www.livius.org/bn-bz/brutus/brutus01. htmlhttp://www.mcgoodwin.net/pages/otherbooks/ws_rapeofl ucrece.htmlhttp://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography/http://shakespearean.org.uk/http://shakespeare.palomar.edu /timeline/summarychart.htmBooks:Shakespeare - Michael Wood, October 2003 Visit: Stratford-upon-Avon