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Benjamin Jonson
London, England
Archival Overview
Towering Jacobean playwright, poet, and literary theorist who popularized the comedy of humours in Volpone and The Alchemist and eulogized Shakespeare.
Biographical Record
Benjamin Jonson (1572–1637) was an English dramatist, poet, and critic of the Renaissance, standing second only to William Shakespeare in theatrical prominence. Educated at Westminster School by the great classical antiquarian William Camden, Jonson worked briefly as a bricklayer and fought as a soldier in Flanders before finding his vocation in the London theater.
Jonson pioneered the 'comedy of humours' in plays like Every Man in His Humour (in which Shakespeare performed) and created enduring satirical masterpieces in Volpone, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair. In his tribute prefacing the First Folio of 1623, Jonson famously immortalized his rival and friend Shakespeare as 'not of an age, but for all time'.
Key Life Milestones
Volpone Premiered
Premiered Volpone, or The Fox at the Globe Theatre, mercilessly dissecting human avarice, deceit, and moral rot.
First Folio of His Works
Published his Works in folio, becoming the first playwright to assert that vernacular stage plays constituted serious dramatic literature.
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialLondon, United Kingdom