|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Ben Jonson
|
|
(1572–1637) Poet and playwright, as varied as Shakespeare in the range that he attempted but holding the stage now only with his comedies – in particular *Volpone, The *Alchemist and *Bartholomew Fair. During the reign of James I he was the chief writer of *masques for the court. He claimed a new literary status for the drama when he published, in 1616, a folio edition of his works (seven years before the *First Folio of Shakespeare); and in that same year the king gave him an official pension, causing Jonson to be regarded as the first *poet laureate. One of his poems – To Celia, beginning 'Drink to me only with thine eyes' – has remained a widely known song (the tune is anonymous).
|
|
|
|
Though inclined to be quarrelsome, he was a leading figure in the group of writers frequenting the *Mermaid tavern. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, where he has the most succinct and memorable of epitaphs: 'O rare Ben Jonson'.
|
|
|
|