Few writers are as prolific or as well-known and well-loved as William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Shakespeare lived during a tumultuous time in English and European history when Queen Elizabeth was transforming a country torn by religion into a united kingdom, and the plague still swept London’s streets. Shakespeare’s plays are considered great works of literature, and are also slices of popular history in their own right. Many of his works have been translated into film. Thank you Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Olivier!

The following list highlights some of the more famous adaptations:

(more…)