David Thewlis Portrays John Dee: The Actor and the Character

In Douglas Cripps and Simon Burgess’s John Dee, the Englishman who attempted to find “truth” through occult means finds himself inextricably linked with the Elizabethan magician and astrologer, John Dee. Born around 1527, Dee was a son of the philosopher and mathematician, Thomas Digges. At the age of 24, he began working for the court of Elizabeth I as an astronomer, mathematician, and diplomat; during this time he also amassed a large library of manuscripts on various esoteric subjects. In 1589, Dee was arrested and imprisoned on charges of heresy. While in custody, he conducted some of the first scientific experiments in England – including studies of light and optics. After spending more than two years in the Tower of London, Dee was finally released in 1592. Shortly thereafter, he took up residence at Mortlake Palace, where he remained until his death in 1608. David Thewlis Portrays John Dee: The Actor and the Character