John Crowne's life unfolded amidst the tumultuous backdrop of political upheaval and personal ambition. Born to William Crowne, who took a stand with the Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War, John embarked on a journey that led him from Nova Scotia's unsettled frontiers to literary prominence in London. His career as a playwright intertwined with his family's quest for restitution and survival.

Early Life and American Venture

In 1657, young John accompanied his father to America, where the elder Crowne sought to establish a foothold as a proprietor in Nova Scotia. While his father engaged in the enterprise, John enrolled at Harvard College, preparing for an uncertain future. However, hopes for the Nova Scotia claim were dashed due to a partner's betrayal and the political shifts brought by the Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Consequently, the Crownes returned to London, harboring aspirations for royal intervention to reclaim their interests. Meanwhile, John made a modest living as a gentleman-usher to an elderly lady and pursued literary endeavors, crafting a prose romance inspired by Sir Philip Sidney’s Arcadia (1590). Ultimately, the family's aspirations were laid to rest in 1667 when Charles II ceded Nova Scotia to France.

Playwriting and Royal Patronage

In the aftermath of this disappointment, Crowne turned to the theatre, both as a source of income and as a means to curry favor with the monarchy. Writing plays was a pragmatic choice, with the double aim of financial stability and the hope of royal recognition for the family's lost lands. Though Crowne excelled in the former, the latter goal remained elusive. From 1671 to 1685, Crowne's theatrical productions resonated with Royalist sentiments, mirroring the aristocratic ethos and extending support to Charles II against his adversaries. His plays, often crafted at the king's behest, adhered to themes, characters, or styles suggested by Charles II, reflecting Continental influences. Despite his artistic contributions, Charles was unable to fulfill the many requests for favors that besieged him, leaving Crowne's efforts largely unrewarded.

Life After Charles II

The death of Charles II in 1685 marked a turning point for Crowne, who continued to rely on his literary prowess for sustenance. Over the next thirteen years, he penned, produced, and published a half-dozen plays, demonstrating resilience amidst changing political tides. Yet, as the 1690s waned, Crowne's health began to decline, beset by "a distemper, which seated itself in my head, and threatened me with an epilepsy." In these challenging years, Queen Anne granted him a pension, providing some financial reprieve until 1706. After this period, the details of Crowne's existence remain obscure, with indications suggesting a life overshadowed by poverty and obscurity. The playwright passed away in 1712, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of English theatre.