Nicholas Rowe (writer)

Nicholas Rowe (1674 – 1718) was an English dramatist, poet, and translator, who served as Poet Laureate from 1715 until his death. He is best known for his tragedies, particularly The Tragedy of Jane Shore (1714), and for his edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1709.

Rowe was born in Little Barford, Bedfordshire. He studied law at Middle Temple but abandoned it for a literary career. His first play, The Ambitious Step-Mother, was produced in 1700. Other notable tragedies include Tamerlane (1701), a political allegory, and The Fair Penitent (1703), which introduced the character of Lothario into English literature (becoming synonymous with a seducer). Ulysses (1705) and The Royal Convert (1707) are among his less frequently performed works.

Rowe's edition of Shakespeare was significant for being the first illustrated edition of the complete works. It also provided act and scene divisions, character lists, and some biographical information on Shakespeare, contributing to the popularization and accessibility of Shakespeare's plays for a wider audience. Although later editions superseded his in terms of scholarly accuracy, Rowe's work was important in establishing the canon and format of Shakespeare's plays as they are often presented today.

In addition to his dramatic and editorial work, Rowe also translated Lucan's Pharsalia (1718) into English verse. His poetry, while less celebrated than his plays, includes occasional verse and love poems. He was appointed Poet Laureate by George I, a position he held until his death. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.