ABSTRACT

Though he is one of the undisputed giants of English literature, Ben Jonson is known to most people only as the author of one or two masterly plays which regularly appear in the drama repertory. He is much less well-known for his whole oeuvre, which encompasses poetry, criticism, masque-making, and a lifetime of linguistic and lexicographical study.

In this book, first published in 1990, the author presents a comprehensive critical study of the whole of Jonson’s output from his earliest beginnings through to the final achievement. Looking at every word he ever wrote, in drama, masque, poetry, philosophy and literary criticism, the author reveals an interesting and varied picture of Jonson. This title will be of interest to students of English literature and Renaissance drama.

chapter 1|17 pages

A mere empiric

chapter 2|20 pages

Beginning his studies in this kind

chapter 3|31 pages

To speak the vice

chapter 4|16 pages

Sung high and aloof

chapter 5|19 pages

Royal and magnificent entertainment

chapter 6|29 pages

Quick comedy refined

chapter 7|25 pages

To come forth worth the ivy, or the bays

chapter 8|25 pages

The poet

chapter 9|27 pages

All thy figures are allowed

chapter 10|21 pages

Shows! Shows! Mighty shows!

chapter 12|26 pages

Near the close or shutting up of his circle