There
is properly no history; only biography
Political Leaders: Pop Idol: Poets/Writers:
Quaid-e-Azam
Michael Jackson
Allama Iqbal
Shakespeare
Shah Jahan
Abraham Lincon
Mahatma Gandhi
Biography Of Muhammad Ali Jinnah!
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also known as “Quaid-e-Azam” in the history of India, is not only a great leader of Muslims of Indian sub-continent but he also holds an important position in the row of world politicians. The thing that distinguishes him from others leaders of the world is that he used Britain’s constitution to defeat Britains and won independence for his nation although he had to face stiff resistance from British government and great opposition from the Hindus' Indian National Congress.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah was born in Karachi on 25th December 1876. His father's name was Poonja Jinnah, who was a merchant. He received his primary education from “Sindh Mudrasatul-Islam” in Karachi. After completing his primary education, he left for England, where he got admission in law and soon become a barrister. After completing his education, he came back to India and helped his father to overcome financial crises. Once Jinnah decided to give up his education but then he realized his mistake and started his education again.
After coming back to India, he went to Bombay to start his practice. In the beginning, he faced some problems in getting cases but even at that time he refused to accept anyone's help and soon overcome this crisis. In the begging Jinnah was a great supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity, so, he joined All India National Congress. In 1913 Jinnah joined Muslim League and took an active part to make it effective.
It was through his efforts that Muslim League and Congress Party agreed to a political settlement in 1916. This agreement is known as “Lucknow Pact”. According to this pact, Congress for the first time recognized a separate position of the Muslims and accepted the Muslim demand for a separate electorate. As the time passes and Jinnah realized that Congress is only for Hindus and only protecting Hindu’s rights, Jinnah left Congress and devoted all his energies for the welfare of Muslims of Indian Sub-Continent. In 1928, when Nehru put forward his report also known as “Nehru Report” in the history, in which he rejects the fact that Muslims are a separate nation in the India.
In his report, he insisted that there is only one nation in the India i.e. Hindus (although Congress agreed in Lucknow Pact that Muslims are a separate nation). Jinnah put forward his fourteen points in 1929, in which it is clearly said that there are two big nations in the India i.e. Muslims and Hindus not one as it was claimed in Nehru report. Jinnah fourteen points also includes demands for some constitutional reforms. Jinnah was very anxious about the future of Muslims of India. He wished that the Muslims should emerge as an effective force but Muslim League suffered from internal problems. In 1934, Jinnah took over control of the Muslim League and made it strong and organized party within few years. In 1940, at the 27th annual session of the Muslim League, held in Lahore, Jinnah with other Muslim leaders analyzed the political problems of Muslims in great deal. A resolution was passed unanimously which is known as Lahore Resolution. In this resolution it was demanded that Muslims of the Indian Sub-Continent should have a separate homeland comprising the regions of the Sub-Continent having a Muslim majority. After the Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March, 19940, the Muslim League entered into a new phase and under the presidency of Jinnah soon become a popular party. Jinnah put his best to made Muslim League a true representative party of Muslims. The results were obvious in 1945-46 elections, when Muslim League enjoyed a landslide victory both in central assembly as well as in provincial assembly elections. The Muslims continued their organized efforts under the guidelines provided to them by Jinnah. As a result of these efforts Pakistan came into being on 14th August, 1947.Jinnah was the first governor general of Pakistan. The establishment of Pakistan was the result of the constant struggle and great sacrifices of the Muslims of the Sub-Continent. It was due to determined and shrewd leadership of Jinnah that the Muslims of Sub-Continent had a homeland of their own. Jinnah passed away on 11th September 1948. He was given the title of Quaid-e-Azam (The greatest leader) by his nation for his services for his nation.
Allama Muhammad Iqbal is generally known as a poet and philosopher, but he was also a jurist, a politician, a social reformer, and a great Islamic scholar. People even bestowed on him the title of "Shaere-Mashriq" (Poet of the East!). It may sound strange that Iqbal never considered himself a poet as is evidenced by his correspondence with Syed Sulaiman Nadvi [1885-1953].
"I have never considered myself a poet. Therefore, I am not a rival of anyone, and I do not consider anybody my rival. I have no interest in poetic artistry. But, yes, I have a special goal in mind for whose expression I use the medium of poetry considering the condition and the customs of this country." (translated from the original in Urdu; Maktoobat, Volume I, page195).
Iqbal's contribution to the Muslim world as one of the greatest thinkers of Islam remains unparalleled. In his writings, he addressed and exhorted people, particularly the youth, to stand up and boldly face life's challenges. The central theme and main source of his message was the Qur'an.
Iqbal considered the Qur'an not only as a book of religion (in the traditional sense) but also a source of foundational principles upon which the infrastructure of an organization must be built as a coherent system of life. According to Iqbal, this system of life when implemented as a living force is ISLAM. Because it is based on permanent (absolute) values given in the Qur'an, this system provides perfect harmony, balance, and stability in the society from within and the source of security and a shield from without. It also provides freedom of choice and equal opportunity for the development of personality for everyone within the guidelines of Qur'an. Thus, in Iqbal's opinion, Islam is not a religion in which individuals strive for a private subjective relationship with God in the hope of personal salvation as it is done in secular systems. Iqbal firmly opposed theocracy and dictatorship and considered them against the free spirit of Islam.
Humanity, as a whole, has never faced the challenge posed by the enormity and the complexity of human problems, such as it is facing today. The problems have taken on a global dimension now and transcend the barriers of race, color, language, geography, and social, political and religious ideologies. Most of the problems of mankind are universal in nature and, therefore, require a universal approach to the solution. Iqbal's universal message is an attempt to address this challenge faced by humanity.
Through his travels and personal communications, Allama Iqbal found that the Muslims throughout the world had detached themselves from the Qur'an as a guiding principle and a living force. After the disaster following the Balkan War of 1912, the fall of the caliphate in Turkey, and many anti-Muslim incessant provocations and actions against Muslims in India (1924-27) and elsewhere by the intellectuals and so called secular minded leaders, Allama Iqbal suggested that a separate state should be given to the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent so that they can express the vitality of Islam to its fullest. In his 1930 Presidential speech delivered to the annual session of Muslim League at Allahabad, Allama Iqbal stated:
"I, therefore, demand the formation of a consolidated Muslim state in the best interests of India and Islam. For India, it means security and peace resulting from an internal balance of power; for Islam, an opportunity to rid itself of the stamp that Arabian imperialism was forced to give it, to mobilize its laws, its education, its culture, and to bring them into closer contact with its own original spirit and with the spirit of modern times."
Iqbal's "Deeda-war" (visionary), is like Iqbal himself. He could foresee what others could not. Whereas others only have a short term view of things, a visionary sees the problems in a long term perspective and develops some sort of cosmic sense. A nation is indeed fortunate if it produces a few such individuals in centuries. Such individuals, although very rare, change the course of history forever, as indeed Iqbal did. Pakistan owes its existence to Allama Iqbal. Thus, the people of Pakistan owe a great deal of gratitude to this extraordinary visionary.
Allama Iqbal's contributions are numerous and it is not possible to give even a glimpse of his work here. A brief outline of Allama Iqbal's life and achievements is contained in the E-book.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He became one of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the 1900's. GandhiJi helped free the Indian people from British rule through nonviolent resistance, and is honored by Indians as the father of the Indian Nation.
The Indian people called Gandhiji 'Mahatma', meaning Great Soul. At the age of 13 Gandhi married Kasturba, a girl the same age. Their parents arranged the marriage. The Gandhis had four children. Gandhi studied law in London and returned to India in 1891 to practice. In 1893 he took on a one-year contract to do legal work in South Africa.
At the time the British controlled South Africa. When he attempted to claim his rights as a British subject he was abused, and soon saw that all Indians suffered similar treatment. Gandhi stayed in South Africa for 21 years working to secure rights for Indian people.
He developed a method of action based upon the principles of courage, nonviolence and truth called Satyagraha. He believed that the way people behave is more important than what they achieve. Satyagraha promoted nonviolence and civil disobedience as the most appropriate methods for obtaining political and social goals. In 1915 Gandhi returned to India. Within 15 years he became the leader of the Indian nationalist movement.
Using the principles of Satyagraha he led the campaign for Indian independence from Britain. Gandhi was arrested many times by the British for his activities in South Africa and India. He believed it was honorable to go to jail for a just cause. Altogether he spent seven years in prison for his political activities.
More than once Gandhi used fasting to impress upon others the need to be nonviolent. India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned into India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed. Gandhi had been an advocate for a united India where Hindus and Muslims lived together in peace.
On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, he began a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed. After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve days later a Hindu fanatic, Nathuram Godse who opposed his program of tolerance for all creeds and religion assassinated him.
Born In:
1628
Died In: 1658
Achievements:
Founder of the magnificent
monument "Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan was the son of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and was originally known as Prince Khurram. After being declared as the Emperor officially, he assumed the title of Abul Muzaffar Shahbuddin Muhammad Sahib-i Kiran-i Sani. However, he was known as Shah Jahan. The first aggression he faced after ascending the throne was from Jujhar Singh, son of Bir Singh Deo, the Bundela chief. After an initial surrender, he rebelled again and was finally killed by the Gonds. A major revolt for Shah Jahan came in the year 1628 by Khan Jahan Lodi, who united with the ruler of Ahmednagar and revolted
By the year 1630, Khan Jahan gave up the revolt and died near the fort of Kalanjar. Another thing that changed with Shah Jahan's accession was the Deccan policy of the Mughals, which resulted in a suspicion of their alliance with the Shia rulers of Persia. The problem solved with the death of Malik Ambar. In 1631, Mughal army laid a failed siege on Bijapur and in 1633, won the fort of Daulatabad. Read on this Shah Jahan biography further to know more about this great emperor
The most significant part of Shah Jahan life history is building of the one of the world's most beautiful monument "The Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan fell in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at first sight, when he was in his teens only. Five years later he married her and gave her the name of "Mumtaz Mahal". From that time onwards, she became his inseparable companion, accompanying him even on military ventures. After she died while giving birth to their 14th child, Shah Jahan undertook the work of constructing world's most beautiful monument in her memory. This monument, which entombs Mumtaz Mahal as well as Shah Jahan, came to be known as "Taj Mahal"
Shah Jahan fell ill in September 1657 and taking advantage of this opportunity, one of his son's, Aurangzeb, took over the throne and imprisoned him. Shah Jahan died in 1666 in captivity only and was entombed, along with his favorite wife, inside the Taj Mahal.
Born near
Hodgenville, Ky. on February 12, 1809, Lincoln was the central figure of the
Civil War, and is regarded by many historians and laymen as not only the
foremost of our presidents but also the greatest American of all time. With
scant formal education, from a poor family, this frontier lawyer held the nation
together through the worst crisis in its history. A leader of weaker will or
fainter vision might well have failed either to win the Civil War or end the
institution of slavery. With good reason, he is viewed as the savior of the
American union and the "Great Emancipator."
Lincoln was born into an obscure backwoods family who moved to Indiana
when he was 7. His mother died 2 years later and his father married a widow,
Sarah Bush Johnston, who exerted a good influence on the boy. Though his
education was limited to a few months in a 1-teacher school, Lincoln avidly read
books such as the Bible, Pilgrim's Progress and Weemss Life of
Washington.
Growing to a muscular 6'4", he supported himself by manual labor until he
was 21, when he settled in New Salem, Ill. There he continued his self-education
while serving as storekeeper, militia captain in the Black Hawk War, and
postmaster. In 1832, he lost a race for the state legislature but won a seat as
a Whig 2 years later, serving 4 terms and gaining statewide popularity for his
homespun wit and integrity.
During this period, Lincoln also began his private study of law,
borrowing books from a local attorney, and was licensed to practice in 1836.
Increasingly successful as a circuit rider, he settled in Springfield, the new
capital. In 1844, 2 years after his marriage to Mary Todd of Lexington, Ky., a
young woman of aristocratic pretensions, he formed a partnership with William H.
Herndon and went on to become one of Illinois ablest lawyers.
In 1847, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and during
his single term became known for both his opposition to the Mexican War and the
institution of slavery. After switching allegiance to the new Republican Party
in 1856, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate against the "Little Giant," Stephen A.
Douglas. Though Lincoln lost, the race attracted national attention because of
the candidates widely reported debates over the issue of slavery in the
territories. Lincoln's standing was further enhanced on February 27, 1860, when,
in New York City, before an influential audience, he delivered his brilliant
Cooper Union speech, in which he argued the Federal governments power to limit
slavery in the territories.
In July the Republicans nominated Lincoln for the presidency on the
third ballot at the convention in Chicago. The Democratic Party split into
Northern and Southern factions, each with its own presidential candidate.
Lincoln's election the following November, over 3 other candidates, with only
40% of the popular vote, was unacceptable to Southern politicians and became the
pretext for first South Carolina and in quick order 10 other states to secede
from the Union.
By the time Lincoln arrived in Washington to be sworn in as the nations
16th president, 4 Mar. 1861, the Confederate States of America had been formed.
In his first inaugural address, Lincoln tried to woo the South back into the
Union, but after the bombardment of Fort Sumter , April 12, he called for 75,000
volunteers to suppress "the insurrection," declared a blockade of Southern
ports, and authorized the suspension of Habeas Corpus in areas
threatened by pro-secessionist elements. Only after the war was under way and
the reins of the presidency were firmly in his hands did Lincoln call Congress
to meet July 4, 1861, in a special session that he had already enacted by
executive decree. Thereafter the history of Lincoln's administration followed
the course of the Civil War.
A man of gentle spirit, Lincoln accepted the fact that only a vigorous
prosecution of the war would restore the Union. His will to win never flagged
despite enormous battle casualties and much political opposition, a substantial
amount of it coming from members of his cabinet and from among the Radical
Republicans.
As commander in chief, Lincoln not only took care to win and keep the
affection of the ordinary Union soldier but also displayed a surprising aptitude
for military strategy. While he fumbled in his selection of generals, he learned
from his mistakes. At considerable political risk, he dismissed the popular Maj.
Gen. George B. McClellan because of his failure to lead the Army of the Potomac
to victories. And despite pressure from ardent abolitionists, he countermanded
premature efforts by army commanders to ban slavery in their jurisdiction.
Ever the masterful politician, he always took care not to alienate his
basic constituency, the ordinary citizenry of Northern and Western states, while
advancing the progress of the war. His Emancipation Proclamation was carefully
framed to avoid offense to loyal but slaveowning states; only those slaves in
Confederate-controlled areas were declared free at that early stage of the war.
Though charges of disloyalty were made against his wife because 4 of her
brothers and 2 of her brothers-in-law served in the Confederate army, Lincoln
ignored them, as he did much brutal criticism of his administration and his
personal character. Added to the crushing burdens of his office were private
griefs over the death of his 12-year-old son, Willie, in 1862, and the often
shrewish behavior of his emotionally unstable wife. To conceal his melancholy,
he often told earthy stories, to the disgust of some of his more polished
cabinet members.
In general, Lincoln was an inefficient administrator, running his office
like a large law firm, with a staff of 2 male secretaries, John Hay and John
Nicolay. He also made himself needlessly accessible to office seekers and
special pleaders. But he was a superb leader, unswerving in his goal of
restoring and preserving the Union. He also used his skills as a speaker to
great advantage. His inaugural speeches and his Gettysburg Address are
masterpieces of American oratory.
Lincoln showed a surprisingly sure grasp of foreign affairs, skillfully
avoiding a war with Great Britain in the Trent Affair and winning
European goodwill with his Emancipation Proclamation. In domestic affairs, the
Homestead Act of 1862 is the most notable achievement of his administration.
But the war overshadowed nonmilitary congressional concerns. Though by
1864 Federal forces had reopened the Mississippi River and brought large
sections of the South under Federal control, many in the North despaired of
victory as casualties mounted in Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's offensive against
Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Lincoln himself
doubted first his chances of renomination, then his ability to defeat the
Democratic candidate, the still-popular former general McClellan, who ran on a
"Peace Platform" and who blamed Lincoln for prolonging the war.
Adm. David C. Farragut's naval success at Mobile Bay, August 5, The fall
of Atlanta to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman September 2, and Maj. Gen. Philip H.
Sheridan's successful Shenandoah Valley Campaign later that fall vindicated
Lincoln's firm war policy. McClellan carried only 3 states, with 12 electoral
college votes to Lincoln's 212. By Christmas, Sherman had marched to the sea and
the Confederacy was rapidly falling apart. With the surrender of Lees army at
Appomattox on April 9, 1865, the war ended.
The humane character of Lincoln was best demonstrated by his policy of
reconciliation with the South, as expressed in his second inaugural address,
March 4, 1865, in which he spoke of "malice toward none" and "charity for all."
His death from an assassins bullet a few weeks later on April 15, not only cut
short a great mans life but also delayed the restoration of the American union.
The fate of the nation passed into the hands of lesser men.
The Bio History of Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson.
Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine,Tito,Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then. In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown.
The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit recordsand in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984.
In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film.
Michael teamed up with Quincy Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US.
In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide. Michael was keen to use music video or short films as he called them to promote his singles from the album. He worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest technology and special effects. for the hit song 'Billie Jean' The short film 'Thriller' used the latest make-up artists technology combined with fantastic dancing and cerography, to produce a 14 minute video, with a start, a middle and an ending. So successful was this video that 'The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller' became the world's largest selling home video combined with soaring album sales. In 1983 Michael performed the now legendary moonwalk for the first time on the 'Motown 25 years' anniversary show. This performance alone set Michael undoubtable into the realm of a superstar.
In 1984 Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy awards in one night. The awards were for his work on the 'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the 'ET Storybook'.
On December 9th 1984 at the last concert of the Jackson's Victory Tour, Michael announced he was splitting from the group and going solo.
In 1987 Michael released his much awaited third solo album, titled 'Bad', and lauched his record breaking first solo world tour. 1988, Michael wrote his first autobiography talking for the first time on his childhood and his career. At the end of the 1980s Michael was named 'Artist Of The Decade' for his success off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums
In 1991 Michael signed with Sony Music the largest ever recording contract and released his fourth solo album, 'Dangerous'. He toured world again in 1992, taking his concerts to countries that had never before been visited by a pop/rock artist. Also Michael founded the 'Heal the World Foundation' to help improve the lives of children across the world.
In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for 19 months, as they divorced in 1996.
1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory', which was a double album, first half new material and second half half greatest hits. Michael toured again over a legs covering a 2 year period. In between legs of the tour on November 14th 1996, Michael married for his second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder. Together they had their first child Prince Michael Joseph Jackson jr born on February 13 1997 and a daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born on April 3rd 1998. In 1997 Michael released the remix album 'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music.
In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destiny's Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers performed there biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo some of his biggest hits. In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' so far releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Since the release of this first single the album has been surrounded by rumors of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album.
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, allegedly on April 23, 1564. Church records from Holy Trinity Church indicate that he was baptized there on April 26, 1564. Young William was born of John Shakespeare, a glover and leather merchant, and Mary Arden, a landed local heiress. William, according to the church register, was the third of eight children in the Shakespeare household—three of whom died in childhood. John Shakespeare had a remarkable run of success as a merchant, alderman, and high bailiff of Stratford, during William's early childhood. His fortunes declined, however, in the late 1570s.
There is great conjecture about Shakespeare's childhood years, especially regarding his education. It is surmised by scholars that Shakespeare attended the free grammar school in Stratford, which at the time had a reputation to rival that of Eton. While there are no records extant to prove this claim, Shakespeare's knowledge of Latin and Classical Greek would tend to support this theory. In addition, Shakespeare's first biographer, Nicholas Rowe, wrote that John Shakespeare had placed William "for some time in a free school." John Shakespeare, as a Stratford official, would have been granted a waiver of tuition for his son. As the records do not exist, we do not know how long William attended the school, but certainly the literary quality of his works suggest a solid education. What is certain is that William Shakespeare never proceeded to university schooling, which has stirred some of the debate concerning the authorship of his works.
For the seven years following the birth of his twins, William Shakespeare disappears from all records, finally turning up again in London some time in 1592. This period, known as the "Lost Years," has sparked as much controversy about Shakespeare's life as any period. Rowe notes that young Shakespeare was quite fond of poaching, and may have had to flee Stratford after an incident with Sir Thomas Lucy, whose deer and rabbits he allegedly poached. There is also rumor of Shakespeare working as an assistant schoolmaster in Lancashire for a time, though this is circumstantial at best.
It is estimated that Shakespeare arrived in London around 1588 and began to establish himself as an actor and playwright. Evidently, Shakespeare garnered envy early on for his talent, as related by the critical attack of Robert Greene, a London playwright, in 1592: "...an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers, that with his Tiger's heart wrapped in a player's hide, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blank verse as the best of you: and being an absolute Johannes fac totum, is in his own conceit the only Shake-scene in a country."
Shakespeare's success is apparent when studied against other playwrights of this age. His company was the most successful in London in his day. He had plays published and sold in octavo editions, or "penny-copies" to the more literate of his audiences. Never before had a playwright enjoyed sufficient acclaim to see his works published and sold as popular literature in the midst of his career. In addition, Shakespeare's ownership share in both the theatrical company and the Globe itself made him as much an entrepeneur as artist. While Shakespeare might not be accounted wealthy by London standards, his success allowed him to purchase New House and retire in comfort to Stratford in 1611.
William Shakespeare wrote his will in 1611, bequeathing his properties to his daughter Susanna (married in 1607 to Dr. John Hall). To his surviving daughter Judith, he left £300, and to his wife Anne left "my second best bed." William Shakespeare allegedly died on his birthday, April 23, 1616. This is probably more of a romantic myth than reality, but Shakespeare was interred at Holy Trinity in Stratford on April 25. In 1623, two working companions of Shakespeare from the Lord Chamberlain's Men, John Heminges and Henry Condell, printed the First Folio edition of his collected plays, of which half were previously unpublished.
William Shakespeare's legacy is a body of work that will never again be equaled in Western civilization. His words have endured for 400 years, and still reach across the centuries as powerfully as ever. Even in death, he leaves a final piece of verse as his epitaph.