# Ben Jonson

> English playwright, poet, and actor (1572-1637)

**Wikidata**: [Q193857](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193857)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Jonson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ben-jonson

## Summary
Ben Jonson was an English playwright, poet, actor, and literary critic who lived from 1572 to 1637. He is best known for his significant contributions to English literature, including the play *Every Man in His Humour*, and for his work as a writer and actor during the Kingdom of England. His career spanned multiple disciplines, establishing him as a central figure in the cultural development of his era.

## Biography
- **Born**: 11 June 1572
- **Nationality**: Kingdom of England
- **Education**: Westminster School (public school in Westminster, London, England)
- **Known for**: Writing the play *Every Man in His Humour*, acting, and serving as a poet and literary critic
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with Westminster School; worked as an actor in dramatic and comic productions
- **Field(s)**: Playwriting, poetry, acting, literary criticism, writing

## Contributions
Ben Jonson's primary contributions include the creation of literary works and his performance as an actor.
- ***Every Man in His Humour*** (1598): A play written by Ben Jonson that stands as a notable work in his career.
- **Acting Career**: Jonson worked as an actor in dramatic or comic productions, performing in theatre during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
- **Literary Criticism**: He served as a cultural journalist who reviewed new literary books, contributing to the critical discourse of his time.
- **Poetry and Writing**: As a poet and writer, he used written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works, influencing the literary landscape of the Kingdom of England.

## FAQs
**What were Ben Jonson's primary occupations?**
Ben Jonson was a multifaceted figure who worked as a playwright, poet, actor, and literary critic. He used his skills in writing to produce plays and poetry while also performing on stage and reviewing literature.

**When and where did Ben Jonson live?**
He was born in 1572 and died in 1637, living during the existence of the Kingdom of England (927–1649; 1660–1707). His life and work were centered within the historic kingdom on the British Isles.

**What is Ben Jonson's most famous play?**
His most cited work in the provided material is *Every Man in His Humour*, which was written in 1598. This play is a key example of his contribution to English drama.

**Did Ben Jonson receive any academic recognition?**
Yes, Ben Jonson was awarded an honorary doctorate, an honorary academic degree recognizing his contributions to literature and the arts.

**How is Ben Jonson connected to William Blake?**
William Blake, the English poet and artist, listed Ben Jonson as one of his influences. Blake drew inspiration from poets like John Milton and Ben Jonson in developing his own visionary style.

## Why They Matter
Ben Jonson played a crucial role in the political and cultural development of the Kingdom of England through his diverse work as a writer, actor, and critic. His plays and poetry helped shape the literary canon of the era, providing a foundation for future generations of English literature. By acting in dramatic productions and reviewing new books, he actively participated in the cultural ecosystem of his time. His influence extended to later artists like William Blake, who cited him as a key inspiration, ensuring his legacy endured beyond his lifetime. Without his contributions to playwriting and criticism, the cultural landscape of the British Isles during the 16th and 17th centuries would have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Being an English playwright, poet, actor, and literary critic active between 1572 and 1637.
- Writing the play *Every Man in His Humour* in 1598.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate for his academic and literary achievements.
- Serving as an actor in dramatic and comic productions during the Kingdom of England.
- Influencing later artists such as William Blake, who admired his work.
- Being educated at Westminster School, a public school in Westminster, London.
- Contributing to the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of England through his writings and performances.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Ben Jonson was born on 11 June 1572 in the Kingdom of England. He received his education at Westminster School, a public school located in Westminster, London, England. This institution, which had its inception in 1179 and was re-founded in 1560, provided the foundational learning for his future career in the arts.

### Career and Major Works
Jonson's career was defined by his versatility across several artistic disciplines. He worked as an actor in dramatic or comic productions, performing in theatre, film, television, or radio contexts appropriate to his time. As a playwright, he authored *Every Man in His Humour*, a play that was written in 1598. This work remains a significant entry in his bibliography. Beyond playwriting, he operated as a poet and a writer, using written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. He also functioned as a literary critic, acting as a cultural journalist who reviewed new literary books.

### Affiliations and Recognition
Throughout his life, Jonson was affiliated with Westminster School, the institution where he received his education. His contributions to the arts were formally recognized when he received an honorary doctorate, an honorary academic degree. His work was situated within the context of the Kingdom of England, a historic kingdom on the British Isles that existed from 927 to 1649 and again from 1660 to 1707.

### Influence and Legacy
Ben Jonson's legacy is marked by his influence on subsequent generations of artists. William Blake, the English poet and artist born in 1757, explicitly cited Ben Jonson as an influence on his artistic style. Blake's work, which included *Songs of Innocence and of Experience* and *The Marriage of Heaven and Hell*, was shaped by the traditions of poets like Jonson and John Milton. Jonson's presence in the cultural history of the British Isles is further evidenced by his inclusion in various digital archives and databases, with a significant sitelink count indicating extensive coverage.

### Historical Context
Jonson lived and worked during a pivotal era in British history. The Kingdom of England, where he was a citizen, was a predecessor to the Kingdom of Great Britain. The kingdom's dissolution in 1707 led to the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain, which later became the United Kingdom. Jonson's life (1572–1637) falls within the first period of the Kingdom of England's existence before its temporary dissolution and subsequent restoration. His work contributed to the rich history and legacy of this historic kingdom, influencing the political and cultural development of the region.

### Digital Presence and Identification
Ben Jonson is well-documented in digital repositories with a Wikipedia title of "Ben Jonson" and a Wikidata description of "English playwright, poet, and actor (1572-1637)." He has a sitelink count of 86, reflecting his extensive coverage. Various identifiers link to his profile, including ISNI, VIAF, and GND numbers, ensuring his data is accessible across global knowledge bases. His image, "Benjamin Jonson by Abraham van Blyenberch.jpg," and his signature, "Ben Jonson Signature.svg," are preserved as part of his digital footprint.

## References

1. Archivio Storico Ricordi
2. Integrated Authority File
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28. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index9.html)
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