Literature · 1564–1593
Born: 6 February 1564 · Died: 30 May 1593 · Age at death: 29
Christopher Marlowe died aged 29. He was born on 6 February 1564 and died on 30 May 1593.
Elizabethan playwright and poet known for his influence on Shakespeare
Did you know?Many historians believe he worked as a secret agent for the government before his mysterious death in a tavern brawl.
Christopher Marlowe burned bright and briefly. His mighty lines gave the London stage a new power just as Shakespeare was starting out. His heroes reach for impossible things: a world empire, endless wealth, unlimited knowledge. His Doctor Faustus sells his soul for knowledge and pleasure. Marlowe's own life was full of rumour about spying and religious doubt. His violent death at 29 cut short a rare talent. Scholars still argue over how much he shaped Shakespeare.
Christopher Marlowe ( MAR-loh; baptised 26 February 1564 – 30 May 1593), also known as Kit Marlowe, was an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe is among the most famous of the Elizabethan playwrights.
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“Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, / And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?”
Profile
English playwright, born 1564
Christopher Marlowe was born in Canterbury on 6 February 1564.
He wrote Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine.
He popularised blank verse on the English stage.
He was stabbed to death in Deptford at 29.
Career highlights
Did you know?Some historians think he worked as a government spy.
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