Thomas Stanley (author) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Thomas Stanley
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| Born | 1625 Cumberlow, Hertfordshire |
| Died | 12 April 1678 (aged 53) Suffolk Street, Strand, London |
| Resting place | St Martin-in-the-Fields, London |
| Occupation | Author and translator |
| Language | English |
| Education | B.A. (Cantab), M.A. (Cantab) |
| Alma mater | Pembroke Hall, Cambridge |
| Notable works | The History of Philosophy, The History of Chaldaick Philosophy |
| Spouse | Dorothy Emyon, Catherine Killigrew |
Sir Thomas Stanley (born in 1625 – died April 12, 1678) was an English writer and translator. He was known for his important books and for translating works from other languages.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Stanley was born in a place called Cumberlow in Hertfordshire. His father was also named Sir Thomas Stanley. His mother, Mary Hammond, was a cousin of the famous poet Richard Lovelace.
Young Thomas went to school with the son of Edward Fairfax. Fairfax was known for translating a long poem called Jerusalem Delivered. In 1637, when Thomas was just 13, he started studying at Pembroke Hall in Cambridge University. He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1641. He also spent some time studying at Oxford University. Later, he began to study law at the Middle Temple in 1664.
Life as a Writer and Traveler
Sir Thomas Stanley was a wealthy man. He got married early in his life and traveled a lot around Europe. He was a good friend and helper to many other poets and writers of his time. He wrote his own poems and also translated many works from other languages into English.
Because he was an important person, many artists painted his picture. Famous painters like Sir Peter Lely and Sir Godfrey Kneller painted him. He had his portrait painted at least fifteen times!
His Writings and Translations
Sir Thomas Stanley is sometimes called one of the last "metaphysical poets." These poets used clever ideas and unusual comparisons in their poems. He admired the style of ancient poets like Moschus and Ausonius. He also liked modern poets from other countries.
His most important work was a book called The History of Philosophy. This book was a collection of biographies, or life stories, of famous thinkers and philosophers. It started with an ancient Greek philosopher named Thales. The book also included the life story of Socrates, another famous Greek thinker. Stanley even translated a play by Aristophanes called The Clouds of Aristophanes into English for this book.
The History of Philosophy was published in three parts between 1655 and 1661. A fourth part, called The History of Chaldaick Philosophy, came out in 1662. His work was so important that it was translated into Latin by other scholars. In 1664, Stanley also published a large and important edition of the plays by the ancient Greek writer Aeschylus.
Notable Works
Here are some of the books and translations Sir Thomas Stanley published:
- Poems (1647)
- Aurora and the Prince (1647) – a translation from Spanish.
- Oronta, the Cyprian Virgin (1647) – a translation from Italian.
- Europa, Cupid Crucified, Venus Vigils (1649)
- Anacreon; Bion; Moschus; Kisses by Secundus... (1651) – a book of translations.
- The History of Philosophy (1655, 1656, 1660) – his major work. A fourth volume was added in 1662.
- Psalterium Carolinum: The Devotions of His Sacred Majestie in His Solitudes And Sufferings (1657) – a version of Eikon Basilike in verse, with music by John Wilson.
Family Life and Death
Sir Thomas Stanley first married a woman named Dorothy Emyon. They had a son named Thomas Stanley, who was born around 1650.
After Dorothy passed away, Stanley married Catherine Killigrew. They did not have any children together. Sir Thomas Stanley died in London on April 12, 1678. He was buried in the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields. His second wife, Catherine, died in 1689.
Images for kids
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History of philosophy, 1731
