William Shakespeare Quotes

Died Rich, Buried Quiet

Shakespeare retired to Stratford around 1613. He was wealthy. He had bought the second-largest house in town, New Place, in 1597. He owned land, collected rents, and lent money. He died on April 23, 1616, at age 52. His will left his wife their 'second best bed.' His plays were not published as a complete collection until 1623, when two actors from his company compiled the First Folio. Without their effort, roughly half his plays would have been lost. Today, his works have been translated into every major language. He is performed more than any other playwright in history.