Abstract ' Shakespeare. Biography', Peter Ackroyd, Vladislav Yerko books by Peter Ackroyd (born in 1949) are widely known all over the world. The author of biographies, poet and novelist Ackroyd has published more than 40 books of various genres, a special place among which is occupied by the biography of his brilliant compatriot William Shakespeare. This biography, published in 2005, as, after all, everything that Ackroyd wrote about England and Englishmen from different eras, is distinguished by a deep knowledge of the country's history and culture. "You can't find a better book about Shakespeare,"says the authoritative English publication The Independent. Peter Ackroyd surprised us again. The world-famous author of biographies stunned Shakespeare scholars. You were obviously convinced that it was impossible to write a book about Shakespeare that contained facts that were still unknown to us. Ackroyd was not a sensation for readers, but he was the first to tell about one of the greatest geniuses, putting him in the context of the era. Peter Ackroyd is one of Britain's most respected biographers and literary critics, known for his ability to combine academic accuracy with lively, human writing. In the book " Shakespeare. Biography " he creates a portrait of a man who, despite four centuries of Fame, remains a mystery even to the most thorough researchers. The publication, decorated with illustrations by Vladislav Yerko, is published by the publishing house "A-Ba-Ba-Ga-la-ma-ga" and combines the thoroughness of historical research with the visual sophistication inherent in the best book projects. Ackroyd traces William Shakespeare's journey from the son of the gauntlet of Stratford to England's most famous playwright, revealing the political, religious and cultural circumstances that influenced his life. The author describes in detail the world of London theaters at the end of the XVI century, the risks for playwrights, internal disputes between Catholics and Protestants, everyday habits and aspirations of ordinary Englishmen. Ackroyd shows a person who is intelligent, observant, careful, but able to turn his own experience into poetry that has been remembered for centuries. The book is filled with the spirit of discovery. In it, London comes to life with its street noise, taverns, stages of the Globe Theater. The author raises questions about the value of historical memory, what makes a person outstanding, and how personal work can turn into a legacy for all mankind.