This work presents an intimate history of Shakespeare, following him through a single year that changed not only his fortunes, but the course of literature. How did Shakespeare go from being a talented poet and playwright to become one of the greatest writers who ever lived? In this one exhilarating year we follow what he reads and writes, what he saw, and who he worked with as he invests in the new Globe theatre and creates four of his most famous plays - "Henry V", "Julius Caesar", "As You Like It", and, most remarkably, "Hamlet". This book brings the news, intrigue and flavour of the times together with wonderful detail about how Shakespeare worked as an actor, businessman, and playwright, to create an exceptionally immediate and gripping account of an inspiring moment in history. This book received brilliant lead reviews across the media. James Shapiro is a huge star of the literary / academic world, and his book has already been taken as a classic microhistory of the period and of Shakespeare`s world. It is sure to be adopted on English and History courses. There is a big spring promotional campaign for this book across the literary press.