Collins Classics – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: The Alexander Text Review ‘A symbol in the history of our national culture’ – The Guardian About the Author William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest playwright the world has seen. He produced an astonishing amount of work; 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 5 poems. He died on 23rd April 1616, aged 52, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.