Nahum Tate Quotes

A collection of quotes by Nahum Tate.

Nahum Tate (1652-1715) was an Irish poet and playwright known for his significant contributions to the English literary scene during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Tate initially studied at Trinity College before moving to London to pursue a career in writing.

Tate is best known for his work as a poet, particularly for his adaptation of William Shakespeare's play "King Lear" in 1681. His modified version, titled "The History of King Lear," had a more upbeat ending compared to Shakespeare's tragedy, which proved to be quite popular during its time. Tate's adaptation remained the predominant version of "King Lear" on stage for over 150 years.

Apart from his poetic endeavors, Tate was also appointed as the Poet Laureate of England in 1692, demonstrating his influential position in the literary community. Throughout his career, he wrote several plays, including historical dramas and whimsical comedies. However, his works gradually fell out of favor during the 18th century, alongside the shifting tastes of the literary world.

Nahum Tate's legacy lies in his impact on the theatrical landscape of his time, particularly in his adaptations of classical works that catered to the contemporary preferences of the audience.