Gervase Markham facts for kids
Gervase Markham (born around 1568, died 1637) was a famous English poet and writer. He wrote many books on different topics. He is most remembered for his book The English Huswife. This book was about what a complete woman should know and do. It was first printed in London in 1615.
Life of Gervase Markham
Gervase Markham was born around 1568. He was the third son of Sir Robert Markham. His family lived in Cotham, Nottinghamshire.
Markham was a soldier for a time. He fought in the Low Countries (modern-day Netherlands and Belgium). Later, he was a captain in Ireland under the command of the Earl of Essex.
He was very smart and knew Latin and several other modern languages. He also knew a lot about forestry and agriculture. He was a well-known horse-breeder. People say he brought the first Arabian horse to England.
Not much is known about his daily life. Gervase Markham was buried in St Giles's, Cripplegate, London. This happened on February 3, 1637.
Gervase Markham's Works
Markham wrote a huge number of books on many different subjects. Sometimes, he would even publish the same book again with a new title. Because of this, his booksellers made him promise in 1617 that he would not write any more books on certain topics.
Here are some of Gervase Markham's important writings:
- 1593: A Discourse of Horsemanship. This was one of many popular books he wrote about how to ride and care for horses. He also wrote about farriery (horse shoeing).
- 1595: The most Honorable Tragedy of Sir Richard Grinvile. This was a long poem about Sir Richard Grenville, a famous historical figure.
- 1595: The Poem of Poems, or Syon's Muse. This poem was dedicated to Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Philip Sidney.
- 1607: Cavelarice, or The English horseman. This book shared secrets about horse training. It even mentioned William Bankes, who trained the famous performing horse Marocco.
- 1607: The English Arcadia, part 1. This book was a follow-up to another popular story called Arcadia by Philip Sidney. Part 2 came out in 1613.
- 1608: The Dumb Knight. This was a comedy play he wrote with Lewis Machin.
- 1614: The Pleasures of Princes, or Good Men's Recreations. This book included advice on fishing and other sports involving animals. It was one of the first books in English to teach about raising and caring for certain types of birds for sports.
- 1615: The English Huswife. This was his most famous book, offering advice for women on running a household.
- 1621: Hungers Preuention: or The Whole Art of Fowling By Water and Land. This book taught people how to hunt birds using different methods.
- 1622: Herod and Antipater, a Tragedy. This play was written with William Sampson.
- 1625: Soldier's Accidence. In this book, Markham shared what he learned from his time as a soldier.
- 1634: The Art of Archerie. This book explained why archery was important for England, both in times of peace and war. It also taught the skills needed for archery.
Markham also edited an older book called the Book of Saint Albans. He renamed it The Gentleman's Academy in 1595. He wrote many other books about animal care and farming.
