Reading with anchors: A page of William Shakespeare

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The English language owes a good deal to William Shakespeare, an unparalleled wordsmith whose works have enriched the world’s literature and introduced readers to the world of love, tragedy and hope.

His plays and poems are an undying treasure to humanity, which, after 402 years of his death, still fascinate readers, young and old.

Here are some of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes:

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate;”

“All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;”

“To be, or not to be, that is the question…”

April 23 marks World Book Day, an annual event designated by the UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. This year, anchors from the China Media Group will take you on a journey through the exquisite works of Shakespeare, to explore the beauty of voices and language.

In the first episode, CGTN host Ji Xiaojun reads “Sonnet 18,” one of Shakespeare’s best known sonnets. Ji is the host of CGTN’s cultural program “Crossover” and “Icon,” and a laureate of the Golden Microphone Award, China’s top accolade for hosting.

CGTN Photo‍

Video by Geng Zhibin; Image design by Yu Peng.