George Chapman

Date of Birth: Circa 1559

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: May 12, 1634

Biography

George Chapman (circa 1559 – May 12, 1634) was an English dramatist, translator, and poet. He is best known for his translations of Homer’s works, including “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” which are considered some of the finest in the English language. Chapman was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England, and he attended the University of Oxford, though he left without a degree. His literary career began in the late 16th century, and he became a prominent figure in the Elizabethan and Jacobean literary scenes. Chapman was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, and his works often explored themes of heroism, honor, and the human condition. In addition to his translations, he wrote several original plays, including “Bussy D’Ambois” and “The Conspiracy and Tragedy of Charles, Duke of Byron.” Chapman’s influence on English literature is significant, and his translations of classical texts helped shape the development of English poetry and drama.

5 Interesting Facts about George Chapman

1. George Chapman is often credited with popularizing classical Greek literature in England through his translations.

2. His translation of “The Iliad” was published in 1598, and it was the first complete English translation of the epic.

3. Chapman was imprisoned in 1605 for his involvement in the politically sensitive play “Eastward Ho,” which he co-authored with Ben Jonson and John Marston.

4. He was known for his complex and often difficult poetic style, which has been both praised and critiqued by literary scholars.

5. Chapman’s work had a profound impact on later poets, including John Keats, who famously referenced Chapman’s translation of Homer in his sonnet “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Chapman

1. “Give me a spirit that on this life’s rough sea loves to have his sails filled with a lusty wind.”

2. “Young men think old men are fools; but old men know young men are fools.”

3. “And let a scholar all earth’s volumes carry, he will be but a walking dictionary.”

4. “I am not bound to please thee with my answers.”

5. “True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Chapman’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a successful poet and translator of his time, he likely enjoyed a respectable income for his literary contributions.