Ben Jonson was an English playwright and poet known for his comedic plays and satirical wit. His works like Volpone and The Alchemist made him a leading figure in Renaissance literature, alongside his contemporary Shakespeare.
If you enjoy reading books by Ben Jonson then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Ben Jonson's witty social observations and rich characterization, William Shakespeare offers a similar appeal. Shakespeare's plays cover diverse themes like ambition, honor, love, and the complexity of human nature.
His comedic works, like Twelfth Night, cleverly blend humor, romance, and insightful commentary on social roles and identity.
Fans of Jonson who appreciate drama filled with vivid characters and probing themes might enjoy Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe is known for dramatic intensity and characters who grapple openly with their desires and ambitions.
His play Doctor Faustus portrays a scholar who trades his soul for knowledge, revealing deep questions about morality and human ambition.
John Fletcher, a contemporary of Jonson, wrote plays that often balanced humor, romance, and dramatic tension. Fletcher tends toward more romantic and adventurous settings than Jonson, but he shares Jonson’s skill in sharp dialogue and strong characters.
A notable play of Fletcher’s is The Woman's Prize, or The Tamer Tamed, which cleverly reworks Shakespeare’s themes with wit and insight.
If Ben Jonson’s satirical edge appeals to you, Francis Beaumont’s works are a strong match. Beaumont, frequently collaborating with Fletcher, depicts society through sharp social critique and lively dialogue.
His play The Knight of the Burning Pestle humorously pokes fun at theatrical conventions and audience expectations, much as Jonson might do.
Thomas Middleton shares Jonson’s satiric wit, irony, and critical commentary on social corruption. Middleton’s works cover darker themes and city life realism similar to Jonson’s.
The play A Chaste Maid in Cheapside illustrates Middleton’s skill in satire and social criticism, making it ideal for Jonson enthusiasts.
John Webster's plays often dive into dark themes of revenge, madness, and moral corruption. He paints vivid, sometimes shocking portraits of human behavior and psychology, especially in tragedies.
Readers who enjoy Ben Jonson's sharp wit and satirical edge might appreciate Webster's play The Duchess of Malfi, a tragic tale exploring power struggles, forbidden love, and complex moral dilemmas.
Thomas Dekker wrote plays filled with realism and lively scenes of London life. His work mixes humor with genuine empathy for ordinary people.
Readers who like Ben Jonson's comedies and insightful portrayals of urban society might enjoy Dekker's spirited play The Shoemaker's Holiday, a humorous story that celebrates common people's vitality, joy, and community spirit.
Philip Massinger's plays deal thoughtfully with political and personal ethics, often showing the conflict between duty, power, and morality. His clear and balanced style addresses serious issues with intelligence and morality.
Fans of Ben Jonson's satirical takes on power and society may like Massinger's tragicomedy A New Way to Pay Old Debts, which presents greed, ambition, and justice with sharpness and insight.
John Marston wrote intense, satirical plays full of biting humor that criticize the hypocrisy and follies of society.
Readers who enjoy Ben Jonson's critical eye and clever wit will probably find interest in Marston's satirical comedy The Malcontent, a sharp portrayal of corruption, deception, and societal decay through vivid characters and sharp dialogue.
Thomas Heywood was a prolific playwright whose work often portrays ordinary people and everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity. His plays show gentle humor and genuine sympathy towards characters from all walks of life.
Readers who appreciate Ben Jonson's attention to realistic characters and detailed social portraits may enjoy Heywood's domestic drama A Woman Killed with Kindness, which sensitively portrays human weakness, forgiveness, and moral complexity.
George Chapman was a playwright and poet whose works often explore classical themes and morality. His drama Bussy D'Ambois presents ambitious characters caught up in passion, pride, and power struggles.
Chapman's style combines vivid language with sharp wit, a mix Jonson fans often enjoy. Readers drawn to Jonson's blend of satire and drama may appreciate Chapman's thoughtful exploration of human behavior.
John Donne is best known for his energetic poetry rich with intellect, wit, and emotional depth. He writes on themes like love, faith, and morality with great insight and humor.
His collection of poems, such as in Songs and Sonnets, offers complex conceits and sharp wordplay that appeal to readers who appreciate Jonson's cleverness and intensity of thought.
Robert Herrick offers beautifully crafted poetry that celebrates simple joys and pleasures. His style is direct yet elegant, with themes focused on beauty, nature, and life's fleeting pleasures.
His collection Hesperides brings out this charm and playful approach to life's brief moments. Fans of Jonson's lyrical and graceful verse would likely enjoy Herrick's gentle poetic voice.
Richard Brome was a playwright noted for sharp social commentary and satirical perspective in his comedies. His play The Antipodes cleverly satirizes human nature and society's absurdities through imaginative and humorous scenarios.
Readers who love Jonson's sharp societal critiques and robust humor would find Brome's comedies entertaining and engaging.
James Shirley is noted for elegant dramatic works featuring witty dialogue, subtle humor, and court intrigue. His play The Lady of Pleasure entertainingly explores themes of luxury, morality, and manners in sophisticated society.
If you enjoy Ben Jonson's comedic portrayals of human folly and social satire, Shirley's graceful yet insightful comedies are likely to appeal to you.