Famous Renaissance English Writers
1. Sir Thomas More (1478–1535)
Born: February 7, 1478, London, England
Died: July 6, 1535, Tower Hill, London, England
Cause of Death: Executed by beheading
First Publication: Utopia (1516)
Posthumous Publications: Religious writings like The Apology (1557)
Literary Focus: Political philosophy, humanism, and social reform.
Major Events
- More was knighted in 1521 for his service to the Crown.
- He served as Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII from 1529 to 1532.
- In 1535, he was executed for refusing to recognize Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England.
- More had a close relationship with Erasmus, one of the leading scholars of the Renaissance.
- He was arrested in 1534 for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy.
- More’s opposition to the Protestant Reformation led to his downfall.
- His writings had a lasting influence on political thought and utopian literature.
Famous Works
- Utopia (1516)
- The History of King Richard III (published posthumously in 1543)
- A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534)
2. Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503–1542)
Born: 1503, Kent, England
Died: October 11, 1542, Sherborne, Dorset, England
Cause of Death: Fever, possibly after a riding accident
First Publication: His poems were published posthumously in Tottel’s Miscellany (1557).
Posthumous Publications: Tottel’s Miscellany (1557)
Literary Focus: Poetry, courtly love, and sonnets.
Major Events
- Wyatt was imprisoned twice on treason charges in 1536 and 1541 but was later pardoned.
- He was a diplomat under Henry VIII, travelling to Spain and Italy.
- Wyatt introduced the sonnet form to English literature, heavily influenced by Petrarch.
- He was rumoured to have had a romantic connection with Anne Boleyn.
- Wyatt served as ambassador to Spain under Emperor Charles V.
- He was a key figure in bringing the Renaissance poetic forms to England.
- Wyatt’s son later led a rebellion against Queen Mary I.
Famous Works
- Whoso List to Hunt (published posthumously in 1557)
- They Flee From Me (published posthumously in 1557)
- Farewell, Love (published posthumously in 1557)
3. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (1517–1547)
Born: 1517, Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, England
Died: January 19, 1547, London, England
Cause of Death: Executed for treason
First Publication: His poems were published posthumously in Tottel’s Miscellany (1557).
Posthumous Publications: Tottel’s Miscellany (1557)
Literary Focus: Poetry, blank verse, and translations of classical works.
Major Events
- Surrey introduced blank verse to English poetry, influencing later dramatists like Shakespeare.
- He was imprisoned for suspected treason multiple times due to his connections to the royal family.
- In 1547, he was executed for allegedly plotting against Henry VIII, though the charges were likely politically motivated.
- Surrey’s family had close ties to the royal court.
- He served in military campaigns in France and Scotland.
- Surrey’s poetry greatly influenced the development of English sonnets.
- He collaborated with Sir Thomas Wyatt to refine the English sonnet form.
Famous Works
- Aeneid (translation, published posthumously in 1557)
- The Soote Season (published posthumously in 1557)
- Love, that Doth Reign and Live Within My Thought (published posthumously in 1557)
4. Edmund Spenser (1552–1599)
Born: 1552, London, England
Died: January 13, 1599, Westminster, London, England
Cause of Death: Likely due to malnutrition and illness after fleeing Ireland during the Tyrone Rebellion
First Publication: The Shepheardes Calender (1579)
Posthumous Publications: Two Cantos of Mutabilitie was added to later editions of The Faerie Queene (1609).
Literary Focus: Epic poetry, allegory, and Elizabethan politics.
Major Events
- Spenser worked as an administrator in Ireland, where he witnessed the Tyrone Rebellion.
- In 1590, he published the first part of The Faerie Queene, which was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I.
- Spenser fled Ireland in 1598 when his estate was destroyed during the Irish rebellion.
- He received a pension from Queen Elizabeth for his services to literature.
- Spenser’s poem, *Amoretti*, was inspired by his love for Elizabeth Boyle.
- He studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he became friends with Gabriel Harvey.
- Spenser’s influence on later English poets, especially Milton, is widely recognized.
Famous Works
- The Faerie Queene (1590)
- The Shepheardes Calender (1579)
- Amoretti and Epithalamion (1595)
Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586)
Born: November 30, 1554, Penshurst, Kent, England
Died: October 17, 1586, Arnhem, Netherlands
Cause of Death: Wound from battle
First Publication: Arcadia (1590, posthumous)
Posthumous Publications: An Apology for Poetry (1595)
Literary Focus: Pastoral romance, sonnets, and literary criticism.
Major Events
- Sidney served as a diplomat for Queen Elizabeth I, travelling across Europe on various missions.
- He was injured at the Battle of Zutphen and died from gangrene in 1586.
- Sidney’s sonnet sequence, *Astrophel and Stella*, is one of the first works of the English sonnet tradition.
- His work The Defence of Poesy is considered one of the most important works of literary criticism in English.
- Sidney patronized the arts and influenced many writers of his time, including Edmund Spenser.
- He became a national hero after he died in battle and was celebrated as a model of chivalry and honour.
- Sidney’s literary works combined Renaissance humanism with a deep concern for moral and political issues.
Famous Works
- Astrophel and Stella (1591)
- Arcadia (1590)
- The Defence of Poesy (1595)
5. Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)
Born: February 26, 1564, Canterbury, Kent, England
Died: May 30, 1593, Deptford, London, England
Cause of Death: Killed in a tavern brawl, stabbed above the eye
First Publication: Tamburlaine the Great (c. 1587)
Posthumous Publications: Doctor Faustus
Literary Focus: Tragedy, blank verse, and controversial themes in religion and politics.
Major Events
- Marlowe was arrested in 1593 on suspicion of atheism and espionage but died before his trial.
- He was associated with the Elizabethan intelligence service, which has led to much speculation about his secret activities.
- Marlowe pioneered the use of blank verse in drama, setting the stage for Shakespeare’s success.
- Marlowe’s work was often accused of blasphemy and atheism, which contributed to his mysterious death.
- He received his degree from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, on a royal warrant despite controversy over his religious beliefs.
- Marlowe worked as a playwright for the Lord Admiral’s Men at the Rose Theatre.
- His early death remains one of the most debated mysteries of English literary history.
Famous Works
- Doctor Faustus (published posthumously in 1604)
- Tamburlaine the Great (c. 1587)
- The Jew of Malta (c. 1589)
6. William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
Born: April 23, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Died: April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Cause of Death: Possibly from a fever
First Publication: Venus and Adonis (1593)
Posthumous Publications: The First Folio (1623), published by his friends, contained 36 of his plays.
Literary Focus: Tragedy, comedy, history plays, and poetic language.
Major Events
- Shakespeare became a shareholder and actor with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which later became the King’s Men.
- In 1599, he and his company opened the Globe Theatre, where many of his plays were performed.
- In 1613, the Globe Theatre burned down during a performance of Henry VIII, though it was later rebuilt.
- Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582, with whom he had three children.
- His works have been translated into every major living language.
- Shakespeare retired to Stratford-upon-Avon around 1613.
- He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist.
Famous Works
- Hamlet (1600)
- Romeo and Juliet (1597)
- Macbeth (1606)
7. Ben Jonson (1572–1637)
Born: June 11, 1572, Westminster, London, England
Died: August 6, 1637, London, England
Cause of Death: Natural causes after prolonged ill health
First Publication: Every Man in His Humour (1598)
Posthumous Publications: Ben Jonson’s Works (1640)
Literary Focus: Satirical comedy, court masques, and neoclassical style.
Major Events
- Jonson killed a fellow actor in a duel and was jailed but later pardoned.
- He became one of the first English writers to receive a royal pension from King James I.
- Jonson’s satirical plays earned him critical acclaim and a rivalry with Shakespeare.
- Jonson’s 1616 folio of his works was the first English playwright’s works to be published in a collected edition.
- He was a close friend and mentor to young poets such as John Donne and William Shakespeare.
- Jonson’s satirical plays critiqued English society and the aristocracy.
- He was buried in Westminster Abbey with the epitaph “O Rare Ben Jonson!”
Famous Works
- Volpone (1606)
- The Alchemist (1610)
- Every Man in His Humour (1598)
8. John Donne (1572–1631)
Born: January 22, 1572, London, England
Died: March 31, 1631, London, England
Cause of Death: Stomach cancer
First Publication: Pseudo-Martyr (1610)
Posthumous Publications: Poems (1633), a collection of his poetry
Literary Focus: Metaphysical poetry, religious themes, and exploration of love and death.
Major Events
- Donne converted from Catholicism to Anglicanism, a decision that deeply influenced his later writings.
- He became Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1621, one of the highest positions in the Church of England.
- Donne’s sermons and religious writings made him one of his time’s most respected religious figures.
- He was imprisoned for secretly marrying Anne More, a noblewoman, without her father’s consent.
- Donne’s early works included erotic poetry, while his later works focused on religious themes.
- He coined many famous phrases, such as “For whom the bell tolls” and “No man is an island.”
- His influence on metaphysical poetry was profound and long-lasting.
Famous Works
- The Flea (published posthumously in 1633)
- Death Be Not Proud (published posthumously in 1633)
- A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning (published posthumously in 1633)
9. Francis Bacon (1561–1626)
Born: January 22, 1561, London, England
Died: April 9, 1626, Highgate, Middlesex, England
Cause of Death: Pneumonia after experimenting with freezing meat
First Publication: Essays (1597)
Posthumous Publications: The New Atlantis (1627)
Literary Focus: Philosophy, empirical research, and political theory.
Major Events
- Bacon served as Lord Chancellor of England but was impeached for corruption in 1621.
- He developed the scientific method, laying the groundwork for modern empirical research.
- Bacon’s political downfall did not stop him from continuing his philosophical and scientific inquiries.
- Bacon was a key figure in developing the empirical method of science.
- He was a member of Parliament for nearly 40 years.
- Bacon’s *Novum Organum* outlined his scientific methodology.
- He was knighted in 1603 by James I.
Famous Works
- Essays (1597, expanded in 1625)
- The Advancement of Learning (1605)
- Novum Organum (1620)
10. Robert Greene (1558–1592)
Born: July 11, 1558, Norwich, England
Died: September 3, 1592, London, England
Cause of Death: Illness, likely fever and poverty
First Publication: Mamillia (1583)
Posthumous Publications: Greene’s Groats-Worth of Wit (1592)
Literary Focus: Pastoral romance, drama, and pamphleteering.
Major Events
- Greene was one of the first professional writers in England to live solely by his pen.
- He wrote satirical attacks on Shakespeare and other contemporaries in his pamphlets.
- Greene died in poverty, having squandered his earnings on a life of excess.
- He was one of the most popular English writers of his day.
- Greene was educated at Cambridge, where he developed his literary skills.
- His pastoral work influenced Shakespeare’s *The Winter’s Tale*.
- Greene also wrote pamphlets attacking London’s moral corruption.
Famous Works
- Pandosto (1588)
- Greene’s Groats-Worth of Wit (published posthumously in 1592)
- Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay (c. 1589)
11. George Chapman (1559–1634)
Born: June 1559, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England
Died: May 12, 1634, London, England
Cause of Death: Natural causes in old age
First Publication: The Shadow of Night (1594)
Posthumous Publications: Complete edition of his Homer translations (1616)
Literary Focus: Translations of Homer, classical drama, and satire.
Major Events
- Chapman became renowned for his translations of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, which are considered some of the finest English translations of classical works.
- His friendship and collaboration with playwright Ben Jonson influenced much of his work.
- Chapman was briefly imprisoned for debt during his later years but continued writing.
- He worked with Shakespeare on several collaborative plays.
- Chapman wrote philosophical poetry that engaged with Stoic ideals.
- His translation of *The Iliad* is still admired for its artistry.
- Chapman’s plays were known for their dense, intellectual dialogue.
Famous Works
- The Iliad (translation, 1598)
- The Odyssey (translation, 1616)
- Bussy D’Ambois (1607)
12. John Lyly (1554–1606)
Born: 1554, Kent, England
Died: November 27, 1606, London, England
Cause of Death: Unknown
First Publication: Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578)
Posthumous Publications: N/A
Literary Focus: Prose, euphuism, and courtly plays.
Major Events
- Lyly became famous for his prose style, euphuism, which was highly popular in court circles.
- His plays were performed at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, establishing him as a prominent playwright.
- Lyly was elected to Parliament in 1589 and 1593, balancing a political career with writing.
- He was known for his witty and elaborate prose style, which was highly influential in the 1580s.
- Lyly’s plays explored themes of love, politics, and mythology.
- His literary style, “euphuism,” became fashionable at court.
- Lyly’s influence can be seen in Shakespeare’s *Love’s Labour’s Lost*.
Famous Works
- Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578)
- Endymion (1591)
- Campaspe (1584)
13. Thomas Nashe (1567–1601)
Born: November 1567, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England
Died: 1601, Yarmouth, England
Cause of Death: Unknown
First Publication: The Anatomy of Absurdity (1589)
Posthumous Publications: The Works of Thomas Nashe (1904)
Literary Focus: Satire, prose fiction, and pamphleteering.
Major Events
- Nashe’s controversial play The Isle of Dogs led to his brief imprisonment.
- He co-wrote Dido, Queen of Carthage with Christopher Marlowe.
- Nashe struggled financially most of his life, often relying on patrons for support.
- His satirical work criticized contemporary society, earning him both fame and enemies.
- Nashe wrote the first English picaresque novel, *The Unfortunate Traveller*.
- His satirical writings targeted the Puritans and literary rivals.
- Nashe was known for his vigorous, witty prose style and his engagement in literary controversies of the time.
Famous Works
- The Unfortunate Traveller (1594)
- Summer’s Last Will and Testament (1592)
- Pierce Penniless (1592)
14. Michael Drayton (1563–1631)
Born: 1563, Hartshill, Warwickshire, England
Died: December 23, 1631, London, England
Cause of Death: Natural causes
First Publication: The Harmony of the Church (1591)
Posthumous Publications: The Works of Michael Drayton (1748)
Literary Focus: Historical poetry, patriotic themes, and topographical poetry.
Major Events
- Drayton became closely associated with the Elizabethan court, though he fell out of favour later in life.
- In 1612, he published his magnum opus, Poly-Olbion, an epic poem describing the topography and history of England.
- Drayton continued writing prolifically despite the decline in royal patronage, with his works celebrating English history and culture.
- He advocated for English nationalism, which influenced much of his writing.
- Drayton was a member of the Mermaid Club alongside Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and others.
- His work *The Barons’ Wars* chronicled the 13th-century civil wars in England.
- Edmund Spenser deeply influenced Drayton’s poetry.
Famous Works
- Poly-Olbion (1612)
- Idea’s Mirror (1594)
- The Barons’ Wars (1603)
15. Aemilia Lanyer (1569–1645)
Born: January 1569, London, England
Died: 1645, London, England
Cause of Death: Unknown
First Publication: Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum (1611)
Posthumous Publications: N/A
Literary Focus: Feminist poetry, religious themes, and patronage.
Major Events
- Lanyer was one of the first women in England to publish a volume of poetry, challenging societal norms.
- She was a proto-feminist writer, using her poetry to defend women’s dignity and rights.
- Lanyer’s work was largely ignored during her lifetime but has since been rediscovered as a pioneering feminist text.
- She was a court musician before turning to writing poetry.
- Lanyer dedicated her poetry to noblewomen and members of the court.
- Her poems provide some of the earliest feminist arguments in English literature.
- Lanyer was one of the few women writers of her era to publish a volume of original poetry.
Famous Works
- Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum (1611)
- The Description of Cooke-ham (1611)
- To the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty (1611)
16. Samuel Daniel (1562–1619)
Born: 1562, Somerset, England
Died: October 14, 1619, Beckington, England
Cause of Death: Natural causes
First Publication: The Worthy Tract of Paulus Jovius (1585)
Posthumous Publications: N/A
Literary Focus: Historical poetry, philosophy, and drama.
Major Events
- Daniel was appointed Poet Laureate of England and tutor to Lady Anne Clifford.
- His epic poem The Civil Wars became a celebrated historical account of the Wars of the Roses.
- Daniel was known for his philosophical writings and influence on 17th-century poetry.
- He was influenced by his friend and fellow poet, Edmund Spenser.
- Daniel was widely respected in his time, holding several royal appointments.
- His sonnets and philosophical writings explore themes of love and politics.
- Daniel’s historical poetry influenced later writers, including Shakespeare and Milton.
Famous Works
- Delia (1592)
- The Civil Wars (1595–1609)
- Musophilus (1599)
17. John Fletcher (1579–1625)
Born: December 1579, Rye, Sussex, England
Died: August 1625, London, England
Cause of Death: Plague
First Publication: The Faithful Shepherdess (1609)
Posthumous Publications: N/A
Literary Focus: Tragicomedy, collaborations with Shakespeare, and drama.
Major Events
- Fletcher became one of the leading dramatists of his time, succeeding Shakespeare as the chief playwright for the King’s Men.
- He collaborated with Shakespeare on plays like The Two Noble Kinsmen.
- Fletcher was known for popularizing tragicomedy in the Jacobean era.
- He co-wrote several plays with Francis Beaumont, forming a successful partnership.
- Fletcher wrote extensively for the King’s Men, England’s leading theatre company.
- He was buried in Southwark Cathedral, close to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
- Fletcher’s influence on Jacobean drama is considered second only to Shakespeare.
Famous Works
- The Knight of the Burning Pestle (1607)
- The Two Noble Kinsmen (1613, with Shakespeare)
- The Faithful Shepherdess (1609)
18. John Milton (1608–1674)
Born: December 9, 1608, London, England
Died: November 8, 1674, London, England
Cause of Death: Kidney failure
First Publication: Comus (1637)
Posthumous Publications: De Doctrina Christiana (1823)
Literary Focus: Epic poetry, religious themes, and political writings.
Major Events
- Milton supported the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell and wrote pamphlets advocating for republicanism.
- He became blind in 1652 but continued to dictate his later works, including Paradise Lost.
- Milton’s political writings led to his brief imprisonment after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
- He studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he earned the nickname “The Lady of Christ’s” for his youthful beauty.
- Milton was married three times, with his first wife briefly leaving him during the English Civil War.
- He was known for his staunch defence of free speech, expressed in his work *Areopagitica*.
- Milton’s *Paradise Lost* is regarded as one of the greatest works of literature in English.
Famous Works
- Paradise Lost (1667)
- Paradise Regained (1671)
- Lycidas (1637)