Francis Quarles (1592 – 1644) was an English poet and royalist, best known for his emblem book Emblems (1634). His works, blending Christian themes and elaborate imagery, were widely read in the 17th century.
Born in Romford, Essex, he came from a family with deep royal connections. He studied at Christ’s College, Cambridge, later joining Lincoln’s Inn to study law. In 1613, he became cupbearer to Princess Elizabeth, accompanying her to Germany. By 1629, he was appointed secretary to Archbishop James Ussher in Ireland.
Returning to England in 1633, he devoted himself to writing. His Emblems, inspired by Jesuit works, combined scriptural paraphrases, epigrams, and illustrations, making it one of the most popular books of its time. During the English Civil War, he supported the Royalists, publishing pamphlets defending King Charles I. His home was raided, and many of his manuscripts were destroyed.
Quarles died in 1644, leaving a literary legacy that influenced later religious poetry. Though 18th-century critics dismissed his style, his spiritual reflections and imagery remain significant in English devotional literature.