John Heywood

Birth: 1497-01-01 , Londres

Death: 1580-01-01 , Mechelen

John Heywood was a 16th-century English writer, playwright, and collector of proverbs. He is primarily remembered for his extensive collection of English popular sayings and proverbs, compiled in his work 'A Dialogue Conteinyng the Moste Worthye and Excellent Effectes of Englishe Tymes'. His theatrical production also contributed to the development of comedy in England.

527

Views

Poems List

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.

When all candles be out, all cats be grey.

Would ye both eat your cake and have your cake this is commonly misquotes as you can't have your cake and eat it, too.

All a green willow, willow;

Evermore at last they ring to even-song. 34

A friend is never known till a man have need.

That the miller knoweth not of. 33

And hanging likewise. 9

A man may well bring a horse to the water, But he cannot make him drink without he will. 20

Let the world slide, 2 let the world go; A fig for care, and a fig for woe! If I can’t pay, why I can owe, And death makes equal the high and low.

Comments (0)

ShareOn Facebook WhatsApp X

NoComments

John Heywood (c. 1497 – c. 1580) was a notable figure in English literature during the Tudor period. Born in London, he became known as a courtier, musician, and writer. His main fame stems from his collection of English proverbs, 'A Dialogue Conteinyng the Moste Worthye and Excellent Effectes of Englishe Tymes', published in 1546, which documented and popularized a wealth of folk wisdom. This work is an invaluable source for the study of the language and culture of the time. Furthermore, Heywood was one of the first English playwrights to write secular comedies, such as 'The Play of Love' and 'The Playe Called the Foure PP', which featured witty dialogues and satirical characters, influencing the later development of English theatre. His association with the court, especially with Sir Thomas More, suggests a refined education and an influential social circle. Heywood is celebrated for his contribution to the preservation and dissemination of popular wisdom and for his role in shaping English comedy.