William Shakespeare was born in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.

Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Emrys Jones was formerly Goldsmiths' Professor of English Literature at the University of Oxford.

Rene Weis is Professor of English at University College London.