John Bodenham facts for kids

John Bodenham (born around 1559, died around 1610) was an English writer and supporter of books. He helped create some important collections of poems from the time of Queen Elizabeth I. These collections are called "anthologies."

John Bodenham's Early Life and Role

John Bodenham was born around 1559. He was the oldest of five children. His father, William Bodnam, was a grocer in London. His mother was Katherine Wanton from York.

He went to school at Merchant Taylors' School.

Some people thought John Bodenham edited the poetry books himself. But he actually helped in a different way. He planned for these books to be published. He also became friends with the people who did the actual editing. So, he was more of a helpful supporter than an editor.

Famous Books He Supported

John Bodenham is known for helping to publish several important books. These books were collections of poems and writings from the Elizabethan era. Here are some of the well-known works he supported:

• Politeuphuia (also known as Wits' Commonwealth) (1597)
• Wits' Theater (1598)
• Belvidere, or the Garden of the Muses (1600)
• England's Helicon (1600). This book was special because it first printed a famous poem. It was The Passionate Shepherd to his Love by Christopher Marlowe. It also included a reply poem by Walter Raleigh.