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Feb 7, 1478
Sir Thomas More
Lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. Most known for his book "Utopia", published in 1516. -
Nov 1, 1503
Sir Thomas Wyatt
English ambassador and lyrical poet. He is credited with introducing the sonnet into English. -
Nov 30, 1554
Sir Philip Sidney
Poet, courtier and soldier; is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the Elizabethan age. His works include Astrophel and Stella, The Defence of Poesy (also known as The Defence of Poetry or An Apology for Poetry), and The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia. -
Jul 11, 1558
Robert Greene
Considered to be the first professional author in England. He published in many genres including autobiography, plays, and romances, while capitalizing on a scandalous reputation. -
Feb 26, 1564
Christopher Marlowe(date of batising)
Poet, dramatist and translator. He greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year as Marlowe and who rose to become the pre-eminent Elizabethan playwright after Marlowe's mysterious early death. Marlowe's plays are known for the use of blank verse, and their overreaching protagonists. -
Apr 26, 1564
William Shakespeare
Poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear(1603), Othello(1565), and Macbeth(1603), considered some of the finest works in the English language. -
Jan 24, 1572
John Donne
Poet, satirist, lawyer and a cleric in the Church of England. He is considered the pre-eminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His works are noted for their strong, sensual style and include sonnets, love poetry, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, satires and sermons. -
Jun 11, 1572
Benjamin "Ben" Jonson
Poet, dramatist and actor, best known for his satirical plays, and lyric poems. His satirical plays Volpone(1606), The Alchemist(1610), and Bartholomew Fair(1631) are considered his best,
