Classic and Contemporary Poets

John Harrington, born in 1561 and passing away in 1612, was an English courtier, author, and translator, best known for his translation of Ludovico Ariosto's "Orlando Furioso" and his epigrams, a collection of witty and often satirical poems. His work, characterized by a blend of literary skill and a penchant for controversy, provides an intriguing perspective on Elizabethan and Jacobean England.

Educated at Eton and King's College, Cambridge, Harrington was well-versed in classical literature, which greatly influenced his literary output. He gained a reputation as a wit and a poet at the court of Queen Elizabeth I, but his sharp tongue and irreverent humor often landed him in trouble with the authorities.

Harrington's translation of "Orlando Furioso," published in 1591, was a significant literary achievement. This work was one of the first major translations of a non-English epic poem into the English language and played a crucial role in introducing English readers to Italian Renaissance literature. Harrington's version of Ariosto's chivalric epic is notable for its faithful adherence to the original's spirit and its attempt to maintain the poetic qualities of the Italian text.

Apart from his translation work, Harrington is perhaps best remembered for his collection of epigrams, published in "The Most Elegant and Witty Epigrams of Sir John Harrington, Knight" (1618). These short, pithy poems are characterized by their wit, satirical edge, and often bawdy humor. Harrington used the epigram form to comment on a variety of subjects, from courtly life to human follies, showcasing his sharp wit and keen observation of the social and political dynamics of his time.

Harrington was also known for his invention of a flush toilet, which he installed at his manor in Kelston and famously described in his book "A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, called the Metamorphosis of Ajax" (1596). This work, a thinly veiled allegory, used the metaphor of sanitation to critique the corruption and excesses of the court. The book, with its mix of practical invention and political satire, demonstrates Harrington's unique blend of technical ingenuity and literary talent.

Despite his contributions to literature and invention, Harrington's career at court was marked by periods of disfavor, largely due to his tendency to use his wit and satire to critique the court and its politics. His relationship with the monarchy was complex, characterized by both patronage and tension.

In conclusion, John Harrington's legacy in English literature and culture is marked by his diverse talents as a translator, poet, and inventor. His translation of "Orlando Furioso" played a significant role in introducing English readers to the Italian epic tradition, while his epigrams remain notable for their wit and satirical insight into Elizabethan and Jacobean society. Harrington's unique combination of literary skill, technical inventiveness, and a penchant for controversy makes him a distinctive and intriguing figure in the landscape of early modern English literature.

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