Edward Fairfax

Edward Fairfax (1580? - 27 January 1635) was a translator, the natural son of Sir Thomas Fairfax the elder, of Denton in Yorkshire, and thus a half-brother of Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Fairfax lived at New Hall, Fewston, near Harrogate, Yorkshire, England, in peace and prosperity.

His translation of epic, Godfrey of Bulloigne,; or, Jerusalem delivered, for which he is best known, is considered a masterpiece, one of the comparatively few translations which in themselves are literature. It was highly praised by Dryden and Waller. The first edition appeared in 1600, and was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Fairfax also wrote a treatise on demonology, in which he was a devout believer.

Edward's daughters Elizabeth and Anne were baptised in Fewston village church in 1606 and 1621 respectively.

Writing
The Encyclopædia Britannica says of his poetry:
 * Godfrey of Bulloigne or the Recoverie of Jerusalem (1600) ... influenced the development of the couplet. It also influenced the poets Edmund Waller and John Milton, whose tonal harmonies Fairfax often anticipated.
 * Among Fairfax’ other works were 12 eclogues, of which only two and most of a third are known to have survived. The finest, “Hermes and Lycaon,” is a singing match between worldly and spiritual lovers.
 * Among Fairfax’ other works were 12 eclogues, of which only two and most of a third are known to have survived. The finest, “Hermes and Lycaon,” is a singing match between worldly and spiritual lovers.

Translated

 * Torquato Tasso, Godfrey of Bulloigne; or, The recovery of Jerusalem (introduction by Leigh Hunt). (2 volumes), London: Charles Knight, 1844. (1 volume), New York: Putnam, 1851. Volume I, Volume II