Michael Drayton published 5 poetry collections, 1 play and 1 other book, beginning with Idea (1593). The best-known is Poems (1605).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Michael Drayton
Start here
Poems
Michael Drayton's most-read book.
Poetry in order
Idea (1593)
Poems (1605)
Poemes, Lyrick and Pastorall (1606)
Poly-Olbion (1612)
The Battaile of Agincourt (1627)
Plays in order
The London Prodigal (1605), with Ben Jonson and Thomas Dekker
Other books in order
The Muses Elizium (1630)
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About Michael Drayton
Michael Drayton was an English poet who came to prominence in the Elizabethan era, continuing to write through the reign of James I and into the reign of Charles I. Many of his works consisted of historical poetry. He was also the first English-language author to write odes in the style of Horace. He died in 1631 in London.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Michael Drayton FAQ
- How many books has Michael Drayton written?
- Michael Drayton published 5 poetry collections, 1 play and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Michael Drayton's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Poems.
- What is Michael Drayton's last book?
- The Muses Elizium (1630).
- What is Michael Drayton's most famous book?
- Poems (1605) is Michael Drayton's most widely read book.
- Can I read Michael Drayton's books for free?
- Yes. 3 books by Michael Drayton are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Michael Drayton
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.