When was John Dee born and where did he grow up?
John Dee was born in the Tower Ward of London on the 13th of July 1527. He grew up in London as the son of Rowland Dee who served as a mercer and courtier to Henry VIII.
Questions about John Dee
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did John Dee play during Elizabeth I's reign?
Elizabeth I appointed John Dee as her astrological advisor after she ascended to the throne in 1558. He advised England's voyages of discovery from the 1550s through the 1570s by providing technical aid in navigation and political support for colonization efforts.
Who was Edward Kelley and how did they work together?
John Dee met Edward Kelley in 1582 who impressed him with his abilities before taking him into service. They conducted spiritual conferences where angels dictated books through Kelley in a special angelic or Enochian language until their partnership ended in 1587.
Why is John Dee known for his Mathematical Preface to Billingsley's translation of Euclid?
The Mathematical Preface to Billingsley's translation of Euclid appeared in 1570 and proved to be John Dee's most widely influential and frequently reprinted work. This text argued that mathematics influenced all other arts and sciences while including demonstrations readers could perform without special education.
How did John Dee die and what happened to his library?
John Dee died late in 1608 or early 1609 at age eighty-one while living in poverty at Mortlake. His home had been vandalized six years prior when he returned abroad leaving his library ruined with many prized books and instruments stolen.