William Fowler

Sebastiaan Johan Verweij (University of Bristol)

Ed. by J. Derrick McClure, University of Aberdeen
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.3: Scottish Writing and Culture, 400-present.
Vol. editors: Kate Ash-Irisarri (University of Edinburgh), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Gina Lyle (University of York), J. Derrick McClure (University of Aberdeen), Andrew Radford (University of Glasgow)

Dates

Born c. 1560
Died 1612
Activity 1581-1612

Places

Born in Scotland
Active in England; Scotland

Activities

Primary

Courtier
Poet
Translator

Resources

Fowler's Works

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William Fowler, poet, courtier, spy, and Secretary to James VI’s queen, Anne of Denmark, was an important member of what is usually known as the “Castalian band”. Whereas the notion of this band and their social organisation has recently been challenged (see below), it is usually understood to refer to a number of poets and musicians connected to the Scottish court of James VI, active primarily between 1581 and 1585. Other notable members include Alexander Montgomerie, John Stewart of Baldynneis, Alexander Hume, the Hudson brothers, and indeed James VI himself. Even though today Fowler’s status is that of a relatively minor author, his influence on this small group of coterie poets and musicians is significant. He is best known for his many sonnets, and his pioneering translations…

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1863 words

Citation: Verweij, Sebastiaan Johan. "William Fowler". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 16 August 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5960, accessed 21 November 2024.]

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