The Top Three Most Widely Read Poets

There have been hundreds upon thousands of poets throughout the course of history. Chances are, however, that you're probably not going to escape high school without having read the greatest works by these poets:

William Shakespeare

The Chandois Portrait of William Shakespeare

Born April 26, 1564, Shakespeare has been regarded as the greatest playwright and poet of all time. For his amazing life achievements, he was nicknamed the "Bard of Avon" or simply "The Bard." A prolific writer, Shakespeare penned 38 plays and 154 sonnets (a style of poetry). Despite some controversy in regard to his date of birth and date, it is commonly held that the poet died on April 23, 1616. Nearly four hundred years later, his work continues to endure with his most famous works being the sonnet "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day" and plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Othello.


Homer 

An idealized rendering of Homer from Crystalinks

As much of his past is relatively unknown, historians, based on the the life of another poet named Herodotus, estimate that Homer lived between the 7th and 8th century. Homers two most famous epic poems, The Iliad and the Odyssey, widely influenced the progressive shaping of the Greek culture. His long, narrative poems are known for their portrayals of the struggle of man against man, as well as, man against god or the gods. Homer is also credited for starting the Homeric Greek writing style.

Edgar Allan Poe

1848 "Ultima Thule" daguerreotype of Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was, perhaps, the most famous poet of the 18th century and his work continues to thrive today. Known for his often grotesque and dark poetry, Poe was contributed greatly to both the Gothic and American Romantic Movement. Having lived a very difficult life filled with the loss of loved ones, his work often reflected his feelings of emotional despair and longing. His most famous works are: The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Black Cat, The Cask of Amontillado, The Masque of the Red Death, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Annabel Lee.



More information on these poets and other notable writers can be found here: http://www.tiptoptens.com/2011/05/31/best-and-most-famous-poets-in-the-history/