Ben Jonson (1572-1637) Doing, a filthy pleasure is, and short LINKS Ben Jonson (1572 - 1637) http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/jonson/ From Luminarium, an anthology of English literature from medieval times through the early seventeenth century, this site provides useful background information about Jonson's life and works. BIOGRAPHY Ben Jonson (1572–1637) Jonson was born in Westminster, England, and, after leaving school, began earning his living (in the manner of his stepfather) as a bricklayer. Though he never attended university, he taught himself enough to be considered learned. He soon abandoned construction work and earned his reputation as one of the preeminent playwrights of his period. A contemporary of Shakespeare, he also wrote poetry and translations of classical Roman authors for his English Renaissance audience.