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1609

Thomas Thorpe published the first copies of Shakespeare's sonnets, possibly without William Shakespeare's consent

Thomas Thorpe published the first copies of Shakespeare's sonnets, possibly without William Shakespeare's consent.

1564

William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet (died 1616)

William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet (died 1616)

1616

William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet (born 1564)

William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet (born 1564)

1564

Playwright William Shakespeare is baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England (date of birth is unknown)

Playwright William Shakespeare is baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England (date of birth is unknown).

1789

The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, part of a cultural project initiated by engraver John Boydell, opened in London

The Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, part of a cultural project initiated by engraver John Boydell, opened in London.

1609

Shakespeare's sonnets are first published in London, perhaps illicitly, by the publisher Thomas Thorpe

Shakespeare's sonnets are first published in London, perhaps illicitly, by the publisher Thomas Thorpe.

1977

The Chinese government removes a decade-old ban on William Shakespeare's work, effectively ending the Cultural Revolutio

The Chinese government removes a decade-old ban on William Shakespeare's work, effectively ending the Cultural Revolution started in 1966.

1857

Henry Clay Folger, American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Folger Shakespeare Library (died 1930)

Henry Clay Folger, American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Folger Shakespeare Library (died 1930)

1859

Charles B

Charles B. Hanford, American Shakespearean actor (died 1926)