The Age of Shakespeare

by Algernon Charles Swinburne

"The Age of Shakespeare" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a literary criticism written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the lives and contributions of prominent playwrights and poets from the era of Shakespeare, notably Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, and Thomas Dekker, among others, while also exploring their influence on Shakespeare's writing and the context of their times. At the start of the text, the author pays homage to Christopher Marlowe, identifying him as the first great English poet who established the potential of English blank verse. Swinburne emphasizes Marlowe's groundbreaking work, particularly in tragedy, highlighting plays like "Tamburlaine" and "Doctor Faustus." He discusses Marlowe’s stylistic innovations and sets the stage for a broader examination of other contemporaries, like Webster and Dekker, whom he believes also shaped the landscape of English theater. The opening sets a tone of deep admiration for Marlowe's genius and the literary revolution that marked the age, establishing a foundation for the critical exploration that follows.