Nahum Tate

Nahum Tate (1652–1715) was an Irish poet, playwright, and adapter of classical literature who became a prominent figure in English Restoration drama. Born in Dublin, he moved to London where he achieved success adapting Shakespeare's plays, most famously creating an alternative ending to King Lear that was performed for over a century. He collaborated with Nicholas Brady on a metrical version of the Psalms that became widely used in Protestant churches throughout the English-speaking world. Tate's literary career was marked by controversy—his adaptations were often criticized by later scholars for departing from Shakespeare's originals, yet they were tremendously popular in his era. He served as Poet Laureate from 1692 until his death, a position that reflected his significant cultural influence during the late 17th century. Despite the mixed critical reception of his work, Tate's prolific output and his ability to shape how audiences engaged with classical texts made him a central figure in the literary landscape of Restoration England.