About
Ben Jonson, born in London in 1572, is a major figure of Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre. After studying at Westminster School, he briefly worked as a bricklayer before becoming an actor and playwright. His comedy 'Every Man in His Humour' (1598) made him famous, with Shakespeare in the cast. He wrote major plays such as 'Volpone' (1605-1606) and 'The Alchemist' (1610), as well as court masques. In 1616, he published his collected works in folio, elevating drama to literary respectability. Pensioned by James I, he is considered the first Poet Laureate. He died in 1637 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.
* 1572-06-11 — † 1637-08-06
Major works
- Every Man in His Humour (1598)comedy
- Volpone, or The Fox (1605-1606)comedy
- Epicœne, or The Silent Woman (1609)comedy
- The Alchemist (1610)comedy
- Bartholomew Fair (1614)comedy
Key milestones
- 1598Kills fellow actor Gabriel Spencer in a duel and escapes hanging by pleading benefit of clergy.
- 1616Receives an annual pension from King James I, effectively becoming the first Poet Laureate.
- 1616Publishes his collected works in folio, a first for a playwright.
Themes
Humour and temperamentsSocial satireCorruption and greedTheatre and performanceClassicism and erudition
Sources: britannica.com · westminster-abbey.org
