# Ben Jonson

## Biography

Ben Jonson, born in London in 1572, became a preeminent English Renaissance writer, known for his lasting influence on poetry and stage comedy. Despite a humble background and working as a bricklayer and soldier, he received a strong classical education. Jonson began his theatrical career as an actor before finding his true calling as a playwright. His early ventures were tumultuous, including imprisonment for seditious content and even for manslaughter. However, his talent shone through during the reign of James I, where he gained immense popularity. Jonson mastered the "comedy of humours" with celebrated plays like "Volpone" and "The Alchemist." He also became the leading writer of court masques and was granted a royal pension, cementing his status as a major literary figure, often regarded as England's first Poet Laureate. Jonson fostered a community of younger writers, known as the "Tribe of Ben," who looked to him for mentorship. His later years were marked by declining health and some diminished influence, but his profound contributions to English literature, particularly in dramatic satire and literary theory, left an indelible mark. He died in 1637.

## Books

- [Volpone; Or, The Fox](https://samolit.com/books/96179)
- [The Alchemist](https://samolit.com/books/96127)