In Bill Bryson's book "Shakespeare: The World as Stage," the author provides insight into the family life of William Shakespeare, particularly focusing on his mother and her experiences. She bore eight children in total, consisting of four daughters and four sons. However, the harsh realities of life in that era are highlighted by the fact that only one of her daughters survived into adulthood, showcasing the challenges faced by families during that time.

Among Shakespeare's sons, all reached adulthood, yet only one, named Will, went on to marry. This information sheds light on the personal aspects of Shakespeare's life, illustrating the difficulties and limited chances of survival for children in his family. Bryson's narrative adds depth to our understanding of Shakespeare not just as a playwright, but as a member of a family dealing with the trials of raising multiple children in a challenging society.