What kind of world made the man who was capable of producing so many of the worlds literary masterpieces, and what kind of life did he live? In this fascinating new book, Dympna Callaghan explores the question of Shakespeares life in order to throw new light on his works. Organized as a series of juxtapositions between life and writing, Who Was William Shakespeare? provides a clear guide to Shakespeares plays and sonnets, while deepening our knowledge about the writers literary achievement and his historical moment. Shakespeares life cannot explain his works, but it can help us to understand them.