John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
- Born:
- April 10, 1647, Ditchley, Oxfordshire, England
- Died:
- July 26, 1680, Woodstock Park, Oxfordshire, England
- Nationality:
- English
- Profession(s):
- Poet, Courtier
Early Life and Education
- Son of Henry Wilmot, 1st Earl of Rochester, and Anne St. John.
- Educated at Wadham College, Oxford, receiving an M.A. in 1661 at the age of 14.
- Traveled in France and Italy.
Career and Major Achievements
- A prominent figure in the court of King Charles II.
- Known for his wit, libertine lifestyle, and satirical poetry.
- Served briefly as a Member of Parliament for Woodstock.
Notable Works
Many of Rochester's works were circulated in manuscript form. A complete "john wilmot biography" would note that only a handful were published in his lifetime.
- "A Satyr Against Reason and Mankind"
- "The Imperfect Enjoyment"
- "Upon Nothing"
- Several songs and epigrams
Legacy and Impact
Rochester's work is characterized by its cynicism, wit, and often explicit language. He is remembered as a significant figure in Restoration literature and a symbol of the era's moral and intellectual ferment.