Since there is a fine poetic rythm to all of Shakespeare's work, I think it is reasonable to include the plays as well as the sonnets and poems in considering this. Even without that, however, he still ranks as one of the finest poets in English.

I spent a great deal of time and energy reading the sonnets, but eventually went into the blank verse of the plays. I do recommend the sonnets but first you should become familiar with the mechanics of that fourteen line type of work.

It is rare for anyone to be the best at one thing. It is even more rare for someone to be the best at two different things. Yet the greatest playwright in the English language is also its greatest (or second greatest) poet. Will Shakespeare was one...lucky...bastard. Lucky to live at the right time and place too; I suppose Shakespeare was alive today, he'd be writing screenplays for Hollywood....Macbeth II: The Revenge!

Shakespeare is no doubt a well known playwright.

Sorry,but I think Ol' Willy is vastly over-rated.Sure,he was a decent PLAYWRIGHT- but compared to most people on this list he's no better than Danielle Steele.

Shakespeare is the most famous writer in the world. His work easily glides from one century to another. An ability to write poems about passionate, but tragic love sets him apart from others. His poems turned into inspiration for many people.

"MacBeth" and "Othello" alone would give him 5-stars. . .but the body of work is simply phenomenal. . .transcends literaterature when it comes to his impact on Western Civilization. . .

Shakespeare was a true master of the English language. It took me a while to appreciate the humor, irony, and beauty in his writings but once I did, he opened a new door to the way I approached literary works in general. I find his writing inspirational and I like the challenge of getting at what is beyond the words.

NO!

Excellent manipulation of the English language coupled with effective storytelling makes Shakespeare one of the best, if not the best poet of all time.

so so as a poet. And what do you mean most prolific? I've written mroe poetry than he did...

The most prolific poet ever. His words were the most beautiful I have ever read. Also the most clever and ironic. He makes a poem about how ugly his mistress is sound beautiful! There is no end to this man's talent!

Best to let the work speak for the writer. "Sonnet 29" When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes/ I all alone beweep my out-cast state/ And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries/ And look upon myself, and curse my fate/ Wishing me like to one more rich in hope/ Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd/ Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope/ With what I most enjoy contented least/ Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising/ Haply I think on thee-and then my state/ (Like to the lark at break of day arising/ From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven's gate/ For thy sweet love remember'd, such wealthh brings/ That then I scorn to change my place with kings/

what a crock of sh*t!

a better playwrite than poet, but incredible all the same

Start with da sonnets and take yer time.

Are you joking? He set the standard, whoever he was.

as the waves make toward the pebbled shore, each changing place with that which comes before.....