born Oct. 7, 1576, Oxfordshire, Eng.
died June 25, 1634, London
English dramatist.
He began his literary career as a poet in 1598 but soon turned to writing for the theatre. One of the most vigorous satirists of his era, he wrote all his plays before taking holy orders in 1609. His best-known work is the tragicomedy The Malcontent (1604), which rails at the iniquities of a lascivious court. Also notable is The Dutch Courtezan (produced 1603–04), one of the cleverest comedies of its time. Though he satirized and feuded with Ben Jonson , the two collaborated on Eastward Hoe (1605; with George Chapman) and Love's Martyr (1607).