The Jacobean era refers to a period in English history that coincides with the reign of James I (1603 – 1625). The Jacobean era succeeds the Elizabethan age and specifically denotes a style of architecture , visual arts, decorative arts, and literature that is predominant of that period.

In literature, some of Shakespeare's most powerful plays are written in that period, as well as those by John Webster and Ben Jonson. Ben Jonson also contributed to some of the era's best poetry, together with John Donne and the Cavalier poets. In prose, the most representative works are found in those of Francis Bacon and the King James Bible.