Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson was an English playwright, poet, and literary critic of the Renaissance era. He is best known for his satirical plays such as 'Volpone,' 'The Alchemist,' and 'Bartholomew Fair.' Jonson was a contemporary and rival of William Shakespeare and had a significant influence on English literature. He was also known for his classical humanism and for being one of the first poets to popularize the concept of the poet as a professional writer.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Volpone

    "Volpone" is a satirical comedy set in 17th century Venice, where the cunning protagonist, Volpone, and his servant, Mosca, swindle the city's wealthy elite by pretending Volpone is on his deathbed and in need of a worthy heir. This prompts a series of greedy contenders who offer extravagant gifts in hope of being named the heir. Despite their successful deceit, their scheme is eventually exposed, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a critique of greed and corruption, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

  2. 2. Poems, Plays, And Masques

    This collection showcases the literary prowess of a prominent figure from the English Renaissance, featuring an array of his poetic works, dramatic plays, and courtly masques. The volume captures the essence of early 17th-century literature, reflecting the author's wit, mastery of language, and deep engagement with the social, political, and cultural issues of his time. Readers will find a rich tapestry of human experience, from satirical commentary to lyrical beauty, all penned by a writer whose influence has endured in the canon of English literature.

  3. 3. The Alchemist

    The book in question is a comedic play set in early 17th-century London, where a clever trio of con artists—Subtle, Face, and Dol—takes advantage of urban fear and superstition during a plague outbreak to swindle a series of gullible victims. Using the guise of an alchemist capable of performing miraculous transformations, the group promises wealth and power to their targets, spinning a web of deceit and exploiting human greed and folly. The play unfolds as a series of farcical episodes, culminating in the inevitable unraveling of their schemes, offering a satirical critique of human credulity and the pretensions of pseudo-science.