Michael Drayton, born in the 16th century, was an English poet who became known and actively thrived during the Elizabethan era. He was born in a small town in England near Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Otherwise, very little is known about his early life. Some evidence suggests that he studied at the University of Oxford, but this is not a confirmed fact.
Drayton’s first collection was published in 1590. It was a volume of spiritual poems, under the name The Harmony of the Church. Three years later came Idea: The Shepherd's Garland, in which he indulges into his love life sorrows, using the name Rowland. Drayton used skillful technique and fine craftsmanship when creating his pieces. Many consider them very straightforward and universal, but possessing a certain smoothness that captivates an audience. Drayton is considered to be the first to use the word “ode” in a lyrical, poetical sense. He went on to write many more poems with varying genres and subjects. Drayton has crafted works with different revolving subjects, such as spiritual, personal, and historical aspects. He also indulged in the art of playwriting, however only doing it for five consecutive years, which was not considered a long time when compared to “Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, or Samuel Daniel”. Drayton had personal and friendly relationships with these famous poets of the time.
Eventually Michael Drayton died in poverty. During his lifetime, his poems did not bring him prosperity and did not die with dignity according to Henry Peacham’s account. However, centuries later, Drayton’s poems are still known and celebrated, not dying away but rather flourishing and still being observed and talked about to this day.
