The Bard of AVON is a nickname for William Shakespeare, the famous English playwright and poet. He was born in Stratford-upon-AVON, a small market town in Warwickshire, England, and is often referred to as the 'Bard of AVON' due to his birthplace. Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.