While I agree with Awen27 that it's pretty much subjective, I'm still tempted to say yes. Subjectivity works when the things you're comparing are in the same league, but WS just seems to be THAT good.

Julius Caesar doesn't count :|

True, the question can be torn apart on its subjective nature, but I think the answer is still more "yes" than "no". How many other writers can you name that are such a core part of our modern culture some 400 years after they're gone? Sure we still read plenty of "classics" from that time period and before, but try to go a day without having somebody quote Shakespeare at you (whether they know they did it or not). Or go without using one of the hundreds of words he added to the language that we still use today. He surely did something different - better? - than the others to strike that kind of chord with people for centuries to come.

Attached link is to my blog where we talk about exactly this topic - see comments from the 80yr old gentleman who's been telling us where he first learned about Shakespeare and why he set himself the task of reading the complete works annually for 20 years. My apologies to folks who think that all self promotion is spam.

I mean, there are billions of books in the world. It all depends on what you like to read. Personally, I think he's amazing.

Maybe I could think of other writers I like equally, but if you're looking for amazing quality of writing, he's the best.

There are bunch of great writers out there. But considering the the fascinating plays, books, and beautiful words Shakespeare has left us I also think that he is just awesome. He possess superb writing skills and his works are still up and living until today. One great writer could only do that.

i think shakespeare is the greatest writer of all time because he introduced plays and he has been a huge part of our english history.

we shouldnt say he isnt the best writer because he has been writing in a totally different time and he used a different way of saying words like thou = you, but it still means the same.

The commentators on this page are idiots. Most of them sound as if they have no grounding in the classics and are under age 25.

If he wasn't, his works would not be compulsory in English High School classes.