Edward Fairfax (c. 1580 – 27 January 1635) was an English translator. [1] [2] He translated Torquato Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. He also wrote an original work on demonology.
He was the natural son of Sir Thomas Fairfax the elder, of Denton in Yorkshire, and a half-brother of Thomas Fairfax, 1st Lord Fairfax of Cameron (1560–1640). Fairfax lived at New Hall, Fewston, [3] near Harrogate, Yorkshire, England.
He is best known for his translation of Torquato Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered, considered a masterpiece. [4] It is one of the comparatively few translations which in themselves are literature and was highly praised by John Dryden. The first edition appeared in 1600, and was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I of England. Fairfax also wrote a treatise on demonology, [5] in which he was a devout believer. [6]
Edward's daughters Elizabeth and Anne were baptised in the village church of Fewston in 1606 and 1621 respectively. [3]
Book by Fairfax, introduction by William Grainge. Facsimile edition. Originally published by Ackrill, Harrogte, 1882
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Cousin, John William (1910). " Fairfax, Edward". A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature. London: J. M. Dent & Sons – via Wikisource.
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