Michael Drayton
Michael Drayton arrived in the world at Hartshill, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, during early 1563. Very little documentation exists regarding his childhood years or family background. Scholars once speculated he studied at Oxford University based on scattered hints within his poems. Modern research now suggests his social standing was far lower than that of William Shakespeare. He certainly did not hold a university degree like Edmund Spenser or Samuel Daniel. By 1580, records show him serving Thomas Goodere of Collingham, Nottinghamshire. This employment likely provided the education he received as a young man.
The year 1593 marked the publication of Idea: The Shepherd's Garland, a collection containing nine pastorals. Drayton adopted the pseudonym Rowland to celebrate personal love-sorrows within these verses. A second volume followed in 1594 entitled Ideas Mirrour, featuring fifty-one sonnets. These works reveal details about a lady living by the river Ankor in Warwickshire. Critics note the direct and universal appeal found in his simple straightforward ring. He became the first English author to popularize the term ode for lyrical poetry. His mastery of the short staccato Anacreontics measure set him apart from contemporaries. Later editions expanded this cycle between 1599 and 1619.
By 1598, Drayton resolved to celebrate every point of topographical interest across Great Britain. This laborious project spanned many years before its completion. The first part appeared in 1613 under the title Poly-Olbion with eighteen books produced. Learned scholar John Selden supplied notes for this massive undertaking. Initial success remained very small until 1622 when a publisher finally accepted the risk. Twelve additional books completed the survey of England during that year. The poet had hoped to crown Scotland with flowers but never crossed the Tweed. This vast work remains famous today despite its slow start.
From 1597 to 1602, Drayton served as a member of playwrights supplying Philip Henslowe's theatrical syndicate. Henslowe's Diary links his name with twenty-three plays created during that period. Collaboration was the norm rather than exception among these regular writers like Thomas Dekker. Only one play survived from those five years: Part 1 of Sir John Oldcastle. This text shows no clear signs of Drayton's distinctive hand or style traits. His rich vocabulary of plant names and star names is wholly absent from the script. William Longsword represents a solo effort suggested by records yet never finished. He later became a lessee of the Whitefriars Theatre starting in 1608.
Elizabethan favor seemed secure by 1597 when the poet rested on his laurels. James I accession brought ridicule for a compliment poem addressed in 1603. Services were rejected by the new king leading to deep bitterness within Drayton. The Owl appeared in 1604 expressing this anger through satirical composition. He possessed no real talent for writing satire despite its popularity. Moses in a Map of his Miracles followed as an epic printed the same year. A single volume reprinting historical poems ran through eight editions during his lifetime. Poems Lyric and Pastoral collected smaller pieces including a fantastic satire called The Man in the Moon.
Drayton maintained correspondence with Drummond, Ben Jonson, William Browne, and George Wither among others. Vicar John Ward recorded hearsay about Shakespeare, Drayton, and Ben Jhonson sharing a merry meeting. They drank too hard according to the vicar before Shakespeare died of fever contracted there. Michael Drayton died in London on the 23rd of December 1631. He was buried in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey. A monument placed over him came from the Countess of Dorset. Memorial lines attributed to Ben Jonson topped the structure sculpted by Edward Marshall. His complete works saw folio publication under William Oldys in 1748.
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Common questions
When and where was Michael Drayton born?
Michael Drayton arrived in the world at Hartshill, near Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, during early 1563. Very little documentation exists regarding his childhood years or family background.
What major topographical work did Michael Drayton write between 1598 and 1622?
The first part of Poly-Olbion appeared in 1613 with eighteen books produced before twelve additional books completed the survey of England during that year. Learned scholar John Selden supplied notes for this massive undertaking which remained famous today despite its slow start.
How many plays did Michael Drayton contribute to Philip Henslowe's theatrical syndicate from 1597 to 1602?
Henslowe's Diary links his name with twenty-three plays created during that period but only one play survived from those five years as Part 1 of Sir John Oldcastle. This text shows no clear signs of Drayton's distinctive hand or style traits because his rich vocabulary of plant names and star names is wholly absent from the script.
Why was Michael Drayton bitter after James I accession in 1603?
James I accession brought ridicule for a compliment poem addressed in 1603 and services were rejected by the new king leading to deep bitterness within Drayton. The Owl appeared in 1604 expressing this anger through satirical composition even though he possessed no real talent for writing satire.
When and where did Michael Drayton die and who buried him?
Michael Drayton died in London on the 23rd of December 1631 and was buried in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey. A monument placed over him came from the Countess of Dorset with memorial lines attributed to Ben Jonson topped the structure sculpted by Edward Marshall.