The Iliads of Homer by George Chapman: "We men are wretched things"

The life of George Chapman, born around 1559, is marked by his diverse contributions to literature and theater. After a stint in military service in Europe, he emerged as a successful playwright and translator, notably producing the first complete English translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. His collaborations with prominent figures like Ben Jonson and his creation of popular masques highlight his influence in the Jacobean era. Despite his literary achievements, Chapman's later years were marred by poverty and debt, culminating in his death in 1634.