William Shakespeare (1564–1616, England)

William Shakespeare is seemingly the world's most renowned writer and dramatist. His works have been converted into each significant language, and his plays have been performed more frequently than those of some other writer.

His name is essentially inseparable from the piece, as he composed 154 of them (and there's even a specific kind of work named for him, the Shakespearean poem). His impact can be felt in the present writing and movies, with topics from notorious works like Romeo and Juliet pervading current sentiments.

Must-understand Sonnet: Poem 18 ("Will I contrast you with a late spring's day?")

Well known expression: "All the world's a phase, and every one of the people just players."