The New Student's Reference Work/Beaumont, Francis

Beaumont (bō′mŏnt), Francis, an English dramatist, was born in 1586. He was educated at Oxford University, and afterward studied law, but neglected it for literary work. He became a great friend of the dramatist, John Fletcher, and nearly everything he wrote was in partnership with him. He was also acquainted with Ben Jonson and other writers of the time. The finest of the dramas which the two friends, Beaumont and Fletcher, wrote together are The Maid's Tragedy and Philaster. The Coxcomb and Cupid's Revenge are also well known. Beaumont was one of the most gifted writers of the age of Elizabeth. He died in 1616.