Like other almanacs of the period, Dauncy's served as a pocket reference for seventeenth-century English citizens. What sets this 1614 almanac apart is the lengthy poem, comprised of rhyming couplets, that explains the Seven Ages of Man, associating each age with a celestial body. It also provided details about the calendar and church festivals, as well as astrological information, such as auspicious times for bathing and bloodletting. No family should be without one!—HB
Dauncy, Gervase.
Dauncy. 1614. His president for the starres, or The almanacke of prognostications, for this yeere of our redemption, 1614 The second from the leape yeere. And most appropriate to the latitude, and meridian of the excellent citty of Hereford, the pole there eleuated, 53 degrees and 36 minut. Seruing also this whole Britaine monarchy. By Gervale [sic] Dauncy seer of sciences. ..., Imprinted at London : [By W. White] for the company of Stationers, 1614. STC 435.5
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Page A2V
Pages B3V, B4R
Pages B4V, B5R
Teacher Ideas
Heidi Beehler / Horace Greeley High School / Chappaqua, NY / English
1. While teaching Henry IV, Part 1, use Dauncy's description of youth to compare the characters of Prince Hal and Hotspur. Which character more closely matches the picture of youth, as Dauncy paints it? To extend the discussion, assign an essay where students compare the two characters, incorporating passages from Dauncy to further illuminate the similarities of the characters, and how Shakespeare uses them as foils for one another.
2. We hear the younger characters in Romeo and Juliet complaining about the older generation, but what do the elders have to say in return? Have students write a monologue as Friar Lawrence, where he discusses the nature of youth. Assume the Friar would have read his almanac and known the information Dauncy presents.
Angela Chang / ACE Technical Charter School / Chicago, IL / English
After reading the ball scene (1.5) in Romeo and Juliet, take a look at Dauncy's "Second Age of Man." How do the youths at the ball (especially the boys) fit Dauncy's description? Where do different characters exhibit the characteristics of youth? Which character best fits Dauncy's poetic description?
