Sir John Harington and the Book as Gift

Sir John Harington (1560-1612) has long been recognized as one of the most colorful and engaging figures at the English Renaissance court. Godson of Queen Elizabeth translator of Ariosto and inventor of the water-closet he was also a lively writer in a wide variety of modes and an acute commentator on his times. Combining detailed readings and first-hand historical research this study reconstructs the complex often devious agenda that Harington wrote into his books as he customized them for specific individuals and occasions.