How Many Plays, Poems, and Sonnets Did William Shakespeare Write in His Lifetime and How Many Are Still Available for Reading?

William Shakespeare, the legendary British playwright and poet, is often celebrated for his profound impact on English literature and the English language. However, many people wonder about the extent of his written output and whether all of his works are still accessible to today's readers.

Understanding Shakespeare's Literary Works

Shakespeare is primarily known for his plays, which first toured the stages of London in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He did not write books in the traditional sense. Instead, his works were scripts intended for live performances. Therefore, he did not publish entire books in his lifetime.

Plays

Shakespeare wrote a total of 38 plays. These plays were not published as individual books during his lifetime. Instead, they were collected posthumously and published in a single volume. Two of his friends and co-workers published the complete works after his death. These plays cover a wide range of genres and themes, from tragedies to comedies, and historically significant events.

Poems

In addition to his plays, Shakespeare wrote two long narrative poems, "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece," and a collection of shorter poems, including 154 sonnets. These poems were published separately in his lifetime, often in anthologies. The sonnets are particularly notable, structured as 14-line verse poems that form a narrative when read in sequence.

Shakespeare's Literary Legacy

Most of Shakespeare's works have been preserved and are still available for readers today. Shakespeare is credited with 37 plays, plus two more for which there are references but no copies. Of these, 37 plays and 154 sonnets are still in circulation, with the remaining three longer poems also available.

Debates and Controversies

There have been debates regarding Shakespeare's authorship of certain plays, particularly the earlier history plays, which may not have painted the royal family in a particularly favorable light. Some scholars and enthusiasts argue whether Shakespeare was the sole author or if he was credited with the works to protect the true author, especially if the latter was a member of the royal court.

Published Works Versus Anthologies

It is important to distinguish between works published in book form and those included in anthologies. While Shakespeare may have been involved in the publication of certain editions, such as the "Good Quarto" of Hamlet in 1603, and the sonnets volume in 1609, the extent of his involvement remains uncertain. He likely had no direct control over the anthologies in which his poems and sonnets were published.

Definitive Works

Of all the works attributed to Shakespeare, he definitively wrote and published two books: "Venus and Adonis" and "The Rape of Lucrece." There is some uncertainty whether he was responsible for the posthumous publication of the sonnets in 1609. Although he may have been involved in the publication of some play quartos, the evidence for such involvement is limited.

In conclusion, while William Shakespeare did not write books in the traditional sense, his extensive body of work, comprising 38 plays and a plethora of poems and sonnets, still enriches literature and continues to captivate readers around the world. His contributions to English literature stand as a testament to his remarkable talent and enduring legacy.