The year 1587 in literature was part of the late 16th century, a period marked by significant developments in European letters, particularly the flourishing of drama and poetry in England during the Elizabethan era, and continued literary activity across the continent. This year saw important works emerging, the maturation of influential literary movements, and the births and deaths of notable figures who shaped the literary landscape.
Events
- England: English theatre continued its rapid development, with London serving as a vibrant hub for dramatic innovation. The influence of playwrights like Christopher Marlowe began to solidify, paving the way for the later dominance of William Shakespeare.
- Netherlands: The literary scene in the Low Countries was influenced by political and religious turmoil, but also saw the emergence of figures who would later contribute to the Dutch Golden Age.
New works
Significant plays first performed or published:
- Christopher Marlowe, Tamburlaine the Great, Part 1: This play, generally believed to have been first performed in London around 1587, was a sensational success. It introduced "Marlowe's mighty line"—a powerful and innovative use of blank verse—to the English stage, profoundly influencing subsequent playwrights including Shakespeare. Tamburlaine established a new standard for epic tragedy and characterization.
- Thomas Kyd, The Spanish Tragedy: While its exact date of composition and first performance is debated (often placed between 1587 and 1592), it is highly probable that Kyd's influential revenge tragedy was being written or performed around this time. It became one of the most popular and influential plays of its era, pioneering the genre of revenge tragedy and directly impacting plays like Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Other notable literary output:
- Poetry and prose works continued to circulate, often in manuscript form, including earlier works by figures like Philip Sidney (who had died in 1586, but whose works like Astrophil and Stella were highly influential and circulating widely).
- Across Europe, various chronicles, religious texts, and philosophical treatises were also being produced, reflecting the diverse intellectual currents of the time.
Births
- November 17 – Joost van den Vondel, Dutch poet and playwright, considered the greatest Dutch writer of the 17th century (died 1679).
- Samuel Purchas, English travel writer and editor, known for his monumental collections of travel narratives (died 1626).
- Madeleine de Souvré, marquise de Sablé, French writer and salonnière, known for her Maximes (died 1678).
Deaths
- April 18 – John Foxe, English historian and martyrologist, author of Foxe's Book of Martyrs (born 1516/1517). His work profoundly shaped Protestant identity in England for centuries.
- Arnaud de Pontac, French nobleman and writer on wine (born c. 1530).
See also
- 16th century in literature
- English Renaissance theatre
- Christopher Marlowe