Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was an English playwright, poet, and critic, one of the greatest dramatists of the English Renaissance and a friend and rival of William Shakespeare. Known for his brilliant satirical comedies and his learned, carefully crafted verse, he was the dominant literary figure of his generation after Shakespeare.
His masterpieces are the satirical comedies Volpone, a savage tale of greed among Venetian fortune-hunters; The Alchemist, a fast-moving farce of con artists; and Bartholomew Fair. He also wrote tragedies, elegant lyric poems, and elaborate court entertainments called masques. Jonson prized classical learning and the careful construction of his works.
A colourful, combative man — a former soldier and bricklayer who once killed a fellow actor in a duel — Jonson became a towering literary authority whose admirers styled themselves the 'Sons of Ben.'
His plays are sharp and vigorous. Our editions present them clearly for modern readers. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
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Frequently asked questions about Ben Jonson
What did Ben Jonson write?
Jonson wrote plays and poetry. His most famous works are the satirical comedies Volpone, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair. He also wrote tragedies such as Sejanus, many admired lyric poems, and elaborate masques for the royal court. His great comedies are his most celebrated achievements.
What is Volpone about?
Volpone is a biting satirical comedy about a wealthy Venetian, Volpone ('the Fox'), who pretends to be dying so that greedy fortune-hunters will shower him with gifts in hopes of being named his heir. With his cunning servant Mosca, he schemes and manipulates until the plots spiral out of control. It is a savage, brilliant comedy about greed and deception.
How was Ben Jonson connected to Shakespeare?
Jonson was a friend, contemporary, and rival of Shakespeare — the two knew each other well, and Jonson's company performed with Shakespeare's. After Shakespeare's death, Jonson wrote a famous, generous tribute to him, calling him 'not of an age, but for all time.' The two are often seen as the twin giants of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama.
Where should I start with Ben Jonson?
Volpone and The Alchemist are the best starting points — his funniest, sharpest, and most accessible comedies. Both are fast-moving and full of memorable schemers. His lyric poems are also short and rewarding. Begin with Volpone.
Are Ben Jonson's plays hard to read?
They are written in rich Renaissance English and are denser and more learned than some of his contemporaries', so they take a little effort. But his comedies are vigorous, funny, and full of energy. A clear modern edition helps make his wit and satire easy to follow.
When did Ben Jonson live?
Jonson lived from 1572 to 1637. He wrote his major comedies in the early 1600s, during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. A leading literary figure of his day, he was buried in Westminster Abbey, and his admirers called themselves the 'Sons of Ben.'
Where can I read Ben Jonson for free?
Jonson's works are in the public domain and freely available. His original Renaissance English is dense. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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