Shakespeare's absolute pre-eminence is unparalleled. His plays pack theatres and underpin Hollywood blockbusters. Nick Groom and Piero explore how Shakespeare became so influential, and why he is widely considered the greatest writer ever. More than a biography or a guide to his plays and sonnets, Introducing Shakespeare is a tour through his world and concludes that even after centuries, Shakespeare remains central to our understanding of humanity in all its richness and failings.