Anthony Chute facts for kids
Anthony Chute was an English writer and poet who lived in the late 1500s. Not much is known about his life, but he wrote poems and short books called pamphlets. One of his most famous works was about the supposed health benefits of tobacco.
About Anthony Chute
Anthony Chute seemed to be supported by a famous writer named Gabriel Harvey. Harvey mentioned Chute in his own writings, saying that Chute was a good speaker and knew a lot about heraldry (family symbols and coats of arms). Harvey also said that Chute went on a sea trip with the famous explorer Francis Drake in 1589 to Portugal.
Early Writings
In 1593, Chute published a long poem called Beauty Dishonoured, written under the title of Shore's wife. This poem tells the sad story of a woman named Jane Shore. Her ghost shares her life story and offers moral lessons. Chute said this poem was "the first invention of my beginning muse," meaning it was one of his very first works.
Chute also supported Gabriel Harvey in his disagreements with another writer, Thomas Nashe. Harvey's book Pierces Supererogation includes two poems by Chute. It also has letters where Chute praises Harvey and criticizes Nashe. Later, Chute wrote to Lord Burghley, asking for a job as a pursuivant of arms. This job involved helping with coats of arms and ceremonies. Chute described himself as a "poor gentleman and a scholar."
His Book on Tobacco
In 1595, Chute published a book called Tabaco. This was the first English book to discuss the good things about tobacco. The book praised tobacco leaves for their many "health giving" qualities. It explained how putting tobacco leaves on the skin could help cure illnesses. It also claimed that smoking tobacco could help with chest problems. Chute believed that tobacco probably "hath many strange virtues which are yet unknown." The publisher of Tabaco wrote in the book's introduction that Chute had passed away before the book was released.
What Others Said About Him
Another writer, Thomas Nashe, made fun of Chute in his book Have with You to Saffron-Walden (1596). Nashe said that Chute's poetry was not very good. He claimed it would never have been published if Chute hadn't been a strong supporter of Harvey.
