Shirley, James (1596-1666)

English dramatist and poet. His plays were derivative and reflected the tastes of Charles I's court, but his more interesting comedies anticipated Restoration comedy. They include The Witty Fair One 1632, The Gamester 1633, and The Lady of Pleasure 1635.

His tragedies include The Traitor 1631 and The Cardinal 1641. He also wrote many tragicomedies and romantic dramas, as well as masques and poems.

Shirley was born in London, studied at both Oxford and Cambridge, and became an Anglican cleric, but converted to Roman Catholicism, after which he gave up the profession of schoolteacher for that of playwright. He died of exposure, having lived in the open for two months after the Great Fire of London.