The publication of Dee's
Library Catalogue in 1990 has revealed how intensively this polymathic scholar used his books, and has provided evidence for his pursuit of other significant strands of learning such as hermeticism and cabala and for his obsession with alchemy and the quest for the philosopher's stone. Particularly significant for Dee's current reputation has been the advocacy of literary historian Frances A. Yates, who emphasizes--and, some may think, exaggerates--Dee's role as an intellectual influence in the English Renaissance.
Dee was born in London on 13 July 1527, the son (and apparently only child) of Rowland Dee and Jane Wild. Rowland is described by his son as "antesignanus dapiferorum" (gentleman sewer, a household officer) to Henry VIII but was a merchant in later life; the date of his death is unknown. The Dee family was of Welsh origin, and John possessed two elaborate pedigrees tracing his descent through princely lines to the legendary Coel Hen ("Old King Cole"). The Welsh connection was evidently of little importance to him in early life, though after about 1570 it assumed considerable significance. He was educated at Chelmsford Grammar School and Saint John's College, Cambridge (from 1542). In 1546 he was made a fellow of the new foundation of Trinity College.
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