Thomas Kyd is best known for

The Spanish Tragedy

. This innovative drama, written around 1587, was the first popular blank verse drama on the English stage. Centred on the themes of revenge and injustice, it inspired the work of generations of playwrights including William Shakespeare.

Kyd was baptised in London on 6 November 1558. His father, Francis Kyd, was a Writer of the Court Letter. It was a profession commonly referred to as a scrivener or, pejoratively, noverint. Francis, who was Warden of the Scrivener's Company in 1580, his wife Anna and Thomas lived in Lombard Street in the thriving middle class business district around St Paul's Cathedral.

Kyd was baptised in London on 6 November 1558. His father, Francis Kyd, was a Writer of the Court Letter. It was a profession commonly…

2185 words

Citation: Owens, Rebekah . "Thomas Kyd". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 30 January 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=2575, accessed 19 March 2024.]

2575 Thomas Kyd 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

If you need to create a new bookshelf to save this article in, please make sure that you are logged in, then go to your 'Account' here

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.