ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 1|21 pages

Boyhood

chapter 2|13 pages

Player

chapter 3|14 pages

Playwright

chapter 4|20 pages

The ‘War of the Theatres’

chapter 5|16 pages

New Directions

chapter 6|20 pages

Jonson At Court

chapter 7|22 pages

Royal Masque-Maker

chapter 8|19 pages

Return to the Stage

chapter 9|20 pages

‘The Poet’

chapter 10|19 pages

Laureate

chapter 11|16 pages

The Journey to Scotland

chapter 12|15 pages

Father Ben

chapter 13|16 pages

Setbacks and Losses

chapter 14|20 pages

‘The Loathed Stage’

chapter 15|18 pages

Senex

chapter 16|10 pages

O Rare Ben Jonson