Although in some circles it is believed that we do not even really know who William Shakespeare truly was, the ‘Bard of Avon’ is said to have been born on April 26, 1564.  The poet, playwright, and actor came to be considered the greatest writer in the English speaking world before his death on April 23, 1616.    England’s national poet’s works included at least 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems and some other verses that may or may not be his.

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy written sometime between 1599 and 1602.  The play dramatizes the Danish Prince Hamlet’s revenge on his uncle Claudius to avenge his father, King Hamlet.  His uncle having murdered his father and married his own brother’s widow.    This play is one of Shakespeare’s longest but also one of his most popular.

This story is derived from the legend of Amleth as set out in Gesta Danorum as chronicled by Saxo Grammaticus.  You may read Hamlet here:

http://www.bartleby.com/46/2/13.html

Alternatively, you may listen to this work in an audiobook format here: