Date of Birth: 1563
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 1618
Biography
Joshua Sylvester was an English poet born in 1563 in Kent, England. He is best known for his translations of the works of the French poet Guillaume de Saluste Du Bartas, which significantly influenced the English literary scene during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Sylvester’s most notable work, “The Divine Weeks and Works,” is a translation of Du Bartas’ “La Semaine,” which explores the biblical story of creation. Sylvester was educated at King’s School in Canterbury and later worked as a merchant before dedicating himself to literature. He enjoyed the patronage of prominent figures such as King James I and Queen Anne. Sylvester’s poetry is characterized by its religious themes, complex imagery, and use of rich language. He passed away in 1618 in Middelburg, Netherlands.
5 Interesting Facts about Joshua Sylvester
1. Joshua Sylvester was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, though he is less well-known today.
2. His translation of “The Divine Weeks and Works” was so influential that it was referenced by John Milton in his epic poem “Paradise Lost.”
3. Sylvester was also known for his original poetry, including “Tobacco Battered” and “The Parliament of Vertues Royal.”
4. He served as a secretary to the Merchant Adventurers of London, a position that took him to the Netherlands, where he eventually died.
5. Despite his significant contributions to English literature, Sylvester struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joshua Sylvester
1. “Heaven’s fairest frame, the fabric of the sky, the walls of the world, the boundless, wide abode.”
2. “O thou, the wonder of celestial skill, Thou art the cause of all, and yet the cause of ill.”
3. “For, as the sun, in waters clear, his face doth fair behold, So to my soul, thy love appears, through faith, more clear than gold.”
4. “The world’s a stage, where God’s omnipotent hand doth act, direct, and guide each mortal part.”
5. “The seed of virtue, which within me lies, shall still spring up, and ripen in the skies.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Joshua Sylvester’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he faced financial difficulties throughout his life, suggesting modest means.
Children
There are no well-documented records of Joshua Sylvester having any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Joshua Sylvester – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joshua_Sylvester
2. [Poetry Foundation – Joshua Sylvester](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/joshua-sylvester
3. [Joshua Sylvester – Poems](https://www.poemhunter.com/joshua-sylvester/
4. [Bartleby – Joshua Sylvester](https://www.bartleby.com/216/0918.html
5. [The Divine Weeks and Works](https://archive.org/details/divineweeksworks00sylv
