Ben Jonson
1572-1637
Ben Jonson is the earliest English writer who is routinely called by a nickname, a familiarity that seems justified by Jonson's vigor, charm, and good humor. He was a successful playwright, producing tragedies as well as comedies; a translator, conversationalist, and critic of great learning and distinction; and above all, a lyric poet whose grace and energy are the equal of his best classical precursors.