Secret Agent for the British
Privy Council and author of the Plays
Tamberlaine, and the
Tragical History of Dr. John Faustus, a
homo universalis.
Faustus was published in 1592, and many believe that if not for the free verse style of this play, Shakespeare could not have written Hamlet. Indeed, there are some who believe that Marlowe WAS Shakespeare.
Update:It always takes an unconventional mind to break through traditions, especially traditions of mind, and its expressions. As I am but the generalist, many of the details escape me. I bow, always, to superior wisdom. Thanks wharfinger.
An example of Marlowe's writing.
See also Faustus' Seven Deadly Sins, Faustus' Contract, Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, How I am glutted with conceit of this!