Ben Jonson was a Reinaissance poet, playwright, actor, and
contemporary of William Shakespeare. He wrote satires exposing the
flaws of and drawing humor to humankind and politics. His poetry
was that of the Cavalier style and he was known was the "father" of
Cavalier poets such as Sir John Suckling and Robert Herrick.
He influenced the development of English literature by providing
exemplary Cavalier poetry and standing as the epitome of a Cavalier
poet. His satirical comedies contributed significantly to the
development of post-Restoration plays and in 1623 a historian
dubbed him as the best and most polished English poet.