John Lyly’s ‘Endymion, The Man in the Moon’ is a romantic comedy that follows the adventures of Endymion, a young man who falls in love with the Moon Goddess Cynthia. Filled with witty dialogue and playful banter, the book embodies the essence of English Renaissance literature and exemplifies Lyly’s unique writing style characterized by its use of euphuism and elaborate wordplay. Set in a mythical world of love and magic, the story combines elements of classical mythology with the contemporary social norms of Elizabethan England, making it a captivating read for fans of both romance and comedy. John Lyly, a prominent playwright and prose writer during the Elizabethan era, drew inspiration from the courtly culture of Queen Elizabeth I’s court, where he served as a courtier. His intricate writing style and clever plots established him as a key figure in English literature, influencing later playwrights like William Shakespeare. ‘Endymion, The Man in the Moon’ is a must-read for those interested in Renaissance literature and the origins of English drama.
A propos de l’auteur
John Lyly (1554–1606) was an English writer, poet, dramatist, and courtier, best remembered for his books ‘Euphues, The Anatomy of Wit’ and ‘Euphues and his England’. Born in Kent, England, Lyly attended Magdalen College, Oxford, where he received both his BA and MA degrees. Upon coming to London, he quickly became a prominent playwright and enjoyed the favor of Queen Elizabeth I. Lyly’s literary style is characterized by a unique and elaborate form of prose known as ‘euphuism’, which was named after his famed prose works. This style is marked by balanced sentences, alliteration, and a heavy use of similes, metaphors, and classical allusions, which influenced the prose of the Elizabethan era. His contribution to the development of English prose drama was significant, and his well-known play ‘Endymion, The Man in the Moon’, is a mythical comedy that showcases his distinctive style and wit. This allegorical work is thought to praise Queen Elizabeth I through the character of Cynthia, and encapsulates the blend of romantic narrative and classical mythology for which Lyly is known. Lyly’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting the prose and drama of later writers, including William Shakespeare. Today, John Lyly is recognized for his role in shaping Elizabethan literature and his innovative use of language and literary form.