John Abbot facts for kids

John Abbot (born around 1587 or 1588 – died around 1650) was an English Roman Catholic priest and poet. We don't know exactly where he was born, but it might have been in London or Leicester.

John Abbot grew up in a very Protestant family. His uncle was George Abbot, who was a very important leader in the Protestant church, the Archbishop of Canterbury. John went to Balliol College at Oxford. After his studies, he traveled to Europe. While there, he changed his faith and became a Roman Catholic.

When he came back to England, he joined a religious group called the Jesuits for a short time. Later, he became a priest. In 1635, he faced difficulties and was held captive. He was set free within a year. However, in 1637, he was arrested again. He spent the rest of his life in custody.

His most famous work is a long poem called Devout Rhapsodies. It was published in two parts in 1647. The poem is about the battle between good and evil. It also talks about how people are tempted and make mistakes.

His Writings

• Jesus Praefigured (1623)
• The Sad Condition of a Distracted Kingdome (1645)
• Devout Rhapsodies (2 volumes, 1647)