Love Shakespeare? Meet his contemporaries! List of top writers of Shakespeare's Time

The moment anyone talks about English literature, the topic automatically heads in the direction to "Hamlet" or "Macbeth" or any other play by the legendary playwriter in English Language, William Shakespeare. However, while the work of Shakespeare stood the test of time, many of his contemporaries were also luminaries of their time. 

Here, we have handpicked a collection of the best writers of the Shakespearean era. Grab a mug of coffee and be ready to step into the Elizabethan era.

Robert Greene:

Robert Greene definitely needs to be the first one in the list. The author contributed significantly to the Jacobean and Elibethan literature. He has blessed the world with exemplary plays like the "Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay." What made Robert Greene stand out from the crowd is the fact that all of his works brought a certain depth to the literary milieu of those times.

John Webster

The second one in our list is John Webster. The author's "The Duchess of Malfi", a macabre tragedy delves deep into darker themes. It brings forwards faulty and complex characters, that make them relatable. The works of John Webster have made it possible for the author to be an important name in the list of authors contributing to the Jacobean drama.

Thomas Nashe

Thomas Nashe was another significant contemporary of William Shakespeare, who deserves much appreciation. The author made a dent in the field with his sharp wit. He was a significant satirist, pamphleteer, and playwright of those times. His works helped the readers peep into the issues of politics and society.

Thomas Middleton

Another significant name in the list is that of Thomas Middleton. The author made the readers taste not one but a wide array of literature. His works have both made the readers laugh their heart out and weep at night. "The Ravenger's Tragedy" proves to be an important dark tragedies of those times. On the other hand, "A Chaste Maid in Cheapside", proved to be a hilarious piece of fiction that made the Jacobean audience laugh their heart out.

Thomas Kyd

Thomas Kyd became a significant icon in the Elizabethan drama. He was popular for his outstanding play, "The Spanish Tragedy". Moreover, the author played with important themes of those times like revenge and justice.

Ben Jonson

Missing out the name of Ben Jonson while making a list of contemporaries of William Shakespeare would be a big mistake. Ben Jonson was a prolific poet and playwright. He stood as a very close rival of Shakespeare. The man was popular for his satire, wit, and sharp writing style. His exemplary mastery of language is depicted through his much-celebrated works like "The Alchemist" and the "Volpone."

John Donne

For all those who loved to read about love, John Donne was a much-loved figure. The metaphysical poetry of the poet explored themes of mortality, religion, and love. What made him special is the fact that he played with wit, emotion, and intellect through his words. No wonder his poems "Death Be Not Proud" and "The Flea" became favorites of many.