Ben Jonson His Life and Work Routledge Library Editions: Renaissance Drama Series

The extraordinary character of Ben Jonson has only recently been brought into the light. Critics traditionally exalted Shakespeare, at Jonson?s expense. In this biography, first published in 1986, the author presents a full and accurate account of Jonson?s life in modern times. Rosalind Miles follows Jonson from his obscure beginnings to his burial in Westminster Abbey, as the first Poet Laureate, in 1637. Her Jonson is vivid and vigorous, equally alive in his life and in his work. This title will be of interest to students of history, English literature and Renaissance drama.

Preface; List of Dates; 1. Boyhood 2. Player 3. Playwright 4. The ‘War of the Theatres’ 5. New Directions 6. Jonson at court 7. Royal masque-maker 8. Return to the stage 9. ‘The Poet’ 10. Laureate 11. The journey to Scotland 12. Father Ben 13. Setbacks and losses 14. ‘The loathed stage’ 15. Senex 16. O rare Ben Jonson; Appendix; Notes; Select bibliography; Index