Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson was a prominent English playwright, poet, and actor born in 1572. He is often celebrated as one of the greatest dramatists of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, alongside William Shakespeare. Jonson’s works are known for their sharp wit, intricate characters, and keen observations of human nature. His most famous plays, such as "Volpone" and "The Alchemist," showcase his mastery of comedy and satirical commentary, reflecting the societal norms and follies of his time. Beyond the stage, Jonson was a poet of considerable talent, crafting verse that resonated with both intellect and emotion.

Throughout his life, Jonson was a larger-than-life figure in the London theatre scene, known for his bold personality and often contentious relationships with his contemporaries. He was a pioneer of the comedy of manners and laid the groundwork for future generations of playwrights. If you’re intrigued by the complexities of human behavior and the art of storytelling, you’ll find a treasure trove of insights in Jonson’s work. Dive into his plays and poetry in the app, and discover the rich tapestry of life he so vividly captured through his pen.

The Alchemist

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Ben Jonson



An outbreak of plague in London forces a gentleman, Lovewit, to flee temporarily to the country, leaving his house under the sole charge of …

Volpone, or, The Fox

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Ben Jonson



Volpone is a comedy by Ben Jonson first produced in 1606, drawing on elements of city comedy and beast fable. A merciless satire of greed an…

The Devil is an Ass

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Ben Jonson



An inferior devil, Pug, asks Satan to send him to Earth to tempt men to Evil. But when Pug arrives in 1616 London and sets himself at the Sq…

The Forest

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Ben Jonson



The Forest is a short collection of Ben Jonson's poetry. This collection of fifteen poems first appeared in the 1616 first folio of his coll…

To Celia

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Ben Jonson



LibriVox volunteers bring you 12 recordings of To Celia by Ben Jonson. This was the Weekly Poetry project for March 6th, 2011.Benjamin Jonso…

Every Man Out of His Humour

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Ben Jonson



Every Man Out of His Humour followed Jonson's play Every Man In His Humour. "This play as a fabric of plot is a very slight affair; but…

Every Man In His Humour

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Ben Jonson



Knowell, an old man - rumor says Shakespeare originally played this part - tries to spy upon the doings of his potentially wayward son. Mean…

Simplex Munditiis

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Ben Jonson



LibriVox volunteers bring you 20 recordings of Simplex Munditiis by Ben Jonson. This was the Weekly Poetry project for February 26, 2012.Ben…

Cynthia's Revels, or The Fountain of Self-Love

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Ben Jonson



"Cynthia's Revels," the second "comical satire," was acted in 1600, and, as a play, is even more lengthy, elaborate, and…