John Harington (writer)
Sir John Harington (also spelled Harrington) (4 August 1561 – 20 November 1612), of Kelston, was a courtier, author and master of art, popularly known as the inventor of the flush toilet. He became a prominent member of Queen Elizabeth I's court, and was known as her 'saucy Godson'. But because of his poetry and other writings, he fell in and out of favour with the Queen.
The work for which he is best known today, A New Discourse of a Stale Subject, called the Metamorphosis of Ajax (1596) is a political allegory and a coded attack on the monarchy. His New Discourse described a forerunner to the modern flush toilet that was installed at his house at Kelston.
Read more about John Harington (writer): Early Life, Education and Family, Life As A Courtier Under Elizabeth, Life As A Courtier Under James I, Literary Works
Famous quotes containing the words john and/or harington:
“A process of genocide is being carried out before the eyes of the world.”
—Pope John Paul II (b. 1920)
“Treason doth never prosper: what’s the reason?
For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.”
—Sir John Harington (1561–1612)