Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was a seminal English playwright and poet whose works significantly impacted English literature during the late Renaissance. Born in London, Jonson was educated at Westminster School under the great classical scholar, William Camden. After a brief stint in the military, he began working in the London theatre scene as an actor and playwright.

Jonson’s breakthrough came with the play "Every Man in His Humour" (1598), which established him as a formidable writer. His play "Volpone" (1606) and "The Alchemist" (1610) are celebrated for their sharp wit and keen social commentary. Jonson's works often reflected his mastery of classical sources and his innovative use of satire.

Though contemporaneous with William Shakespeare, Jonson was a distinct literary figure who often differed in his approach and style. He was a favorite of King James I, who granted him a royal pension, effectively making him England’s first Poet Laureate. Jonson’s influence extended beyond his dramatic works; his masques, such as those written for the court of James I, and his lyric poetry, including the well-known "To Celia," were foundational in shaping the development of English literature.

Known for his combative personality and literary feuds, Jonson also established the "Sons of Ben," a group of younger poets and playwrights who idolized him. He died in 1637 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, where his epitaph simply reads, “O Rare Ben Jonson!” His enduring legacy remains in his rigorous craftsmanship and pioneering contributions to English drama and poetry.