Date of Birth: 1583
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: March 17, 1640
Biography
Philip Massinger was an English dramatist born in 1583 in Salisbury, Wiltshire. He was the son of Arthur Massinger, a member of Parliament and a retainer to the Herbert family. Philip Massinger attended St. Alban Hall, Oxford, around 1602 but left without a degree, possibly due to financial constraints after his father’s death. Massinger moved to London to pursue a career in theater. He became associated with the King’s Men, the premier acting company of the day, and collaborated with notable playwrights like John Fletcher and Thomas Dekker. Massinger’s works are known for their complex characters and social commentary, often addressing issues of morality, justice, and power. Some of his most famous plays include “A New Way to Pay Old Debts,” “The Roman Actor,” and “The City Madam.” Despite his success as a playwright, Massinger struggled financially throughout his life and died in relative obscurity.
5 Interesting Facts about Philip Massinger
1. Massinger collaborated with other playwrights on over 50 plays, though many of these works have been lost.
2. His play “A New Way to Pay Old Debts” introduced the enduring character of Sir Giles Overreach, a ruthless and unscrupulous villain.
3. Massinger’s works were known for their critique of societal norms and advocacy for justice and equity.
4. He was buried in the graveyard of St. Saviour’s in Southwark, London, now known as Southwark Cathedral.
5. Despite his professional success, Massinger died in poverty, and his death went largely unnoticed by his contemporaries.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Philip Massinger
1. “Ambition, in a private man is a vice, is in a prince the virtue.”
2. “He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself.”
3. “True love is humble, thereby hath his strength.”
4. “Justice is blind, but she is not invisible.”
5. “In trifles, women are strong; in great matters, they are weak.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Philip Massinger did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, and he died in financial difficulty.
Children
There is no historical record of Philip Massinger having any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Philip Massinger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Massinger
2. [Biography at Luminarium](http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/massinger/massibio.htm
3. [The Literary Encyclopedia](https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=1941
4. [Project Gutenberg – Works by Philip Massinger](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2296
5. [Southwark Cathedral – History](https://cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/
