If you enjoy reading books by William Shakespeare then you might also like the following authors:
Christopher Marlowe authored “Doctor Faustus” and “Tamburlaine the Great”. His works explore themes of ambition and desire. Those who appreciate William Shakespeare may enjoy Marlowe’s plays due to their shared exploration of complex characters and poetic language.
Ben Jonson was a key figure of the English Renaissance, celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical plays. His works such as “Volpone,” “The Alchemist,” and “Every Man in His Humour” display his talent for a fusion of humor and social commentary.
Those who appreciate William Shakespeare might also enjoy Jonson’s works, as both authors explored similar themes and contributed significantly to English literature.
Thomas Kyd, a pivotal figure in Elizabethan literature, is celebrated for works like “The Spanish Tragedy” and “Soliman and Perseda”. His narratives often explore themes of revenge and justice, which influenced subsequent English drama.
John Webster crafted powerful plays that explore the darker aspects of human nature. His notable works include “The Duchess of Malfi” and “The White Devil”, which examine themes of corruption, ambition, and revenge.
Those who appreciate the complexity and intensity in William Shakespeare’s dramas may find Webster’s works equally rewarding.
Lope de Vega made a lasting impact on Spanish literature. His novel “La Arcadia” blends prose and poetry to weave a pastoral tale, while “El Peregrino en su Patria” recounts an adventurous journey filled with allegory. These works reflect his versatility and depth as a writer.
Thomas Middleton’s works such as “The Changeling” and “Women Beware Women” offer profound insights into the darker aspects of human nature.
His narratives weave complex plots with sharp social commentary. Those who enjoy William Shakespeare’s exploration of complex characters and themes may find Middleton’s works equally engaging.
Edmund Spenser’s most famous work is “The Faerie Queene”, an epic poem that explores virtues through allegory.
Other significant works include “Amoretti”, a collection of sonnets that reflect his courtship and marriage, and “The Shepheardes Calender”, which is a collection of twelve pastoral poems, each linked to a month of the year.
Francesco Petrarch, a pivotal figure of the Renaissance, is best known for his poetry rather than novels. His “Canzoniere” is a collection of poems about his unrequited love for Laura, and “Letters to Classical Authors” reflects his deep engagement with classical antiquity.
Admirers of William Shakespeare might appreciate Petrarch’s profound insights into human emotion and timeless themes.
Miguel de Cervantes is celebrated for works like “Don Quixote” and “The Exemplary Novels”. His tales weave together realism and fantasy to produce timeless stories that examine human nature and society.
George Chapman was a significant figure in English Renaissance literature, best known for his translations of Homer and his plays rather than novels.
His works like “Bussy D’Ambois” and “The Conspiracy and Tragedy of Charles, Duke of Byron” offer deep insights into human nature and ambition. Fans of William Shakespeare might appreciate Chapman’s rich language and exploration of themes similar to those found in Shakespeare’s plays.
Pierre Corneille was a pivotal figure in 17th-century French theatre. His plays have had a profound impact on literature.
Notable works include “Le Cid”, a story that grapples with themes of love and honor; “Horace”, which examines the conflict between personal desire and duty; and “Cinna”, centered on political intrigue and the complexities of mercy and justice.
Though Racine did not write novels, he is famous for his influential tragedies such as “Phèdre” and “Andromaque”.
His plays examine deep human emotions and complex relationships, similar to the themes found in Shakespeare’s works. Those who appreciate Shakespeare’s dramatic portrayal of the human condition might find much to admire in Racine’s powerful tragedies.
Molière is celebrated for his brilliant works that critique social norms with wit and satire. His novels such as “Tartuffe” and “The Misanthrope” expose hypocrisy and folly in 17th-century French society.
“The Imaginary Invalid” offers a humorous take on the medical practices of his time. Fans of William Shakespeare may appreciate Molière’s exploration of universal themes and his masterful use of humor to convey deeper messages.
Aphra Behn broke new ground in literature during the 17th century. Her novel “Oroonoko” tells the story of an enslaved African prince and exposes the brutal realities of slavery.
Another of her works, “The Fair Jilt”, explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge within the walls of a convent. Behn’s novels challenged societal norms and paved the way for future female writers.
Philip Massinger was a notable playwright of the early 17th century, known for works such as “A New Way to Pay Old Debts” and “The Duke of Milan”.
His plays explore themes of social justice and personal ambition, much like the works of William Shakespeare. If you enjoy Shakespeare’s complex characters and exploration of deep themes, Massinger’s dramas might appeal to you as well.