Biography

Benjamin Jonson was a dramatist and playwright. In 1597 he began to work as a player and playwright. On September 22, 1597 or 1598, he fought a duel with a fellow actor and killed him. In 1598 his first comedy was performed at The Globe. In 1603 his first tragedy debuted, "Sejanus." In 1603 he was called upon to write the entertainment for King James' reception. Throughout the early 17th century he wrote some of his most famous plays, including "Bartholomew Fair", "Volpone" and "The Alchemist." In 1616, after Shakespeare died, Jonson was hailed as the preeminent man of English theater. King James also gave him an annual pension. In 1623 his library was destroyed by fire. In 1625 Charles I ascended the throne, and did not need Jonson's services. In 1628 he suffered a debilitating stroke.  In 1637 he died.