List of sources for Shakespeare's plays

Antony and Cleopatra

Source

• Appianus, of Alexandria. An auncient historie and exquisite chronicle of the Romanes warres : both ciuile and foren. London: By Raulfe Newberrie and Henrie [B]ynniman, 1578.
  • Folger STC 713.3 and 713.35

• Plutarch. The liues of the noble Grecians and Romanes, compared together by that graue learned philosopher and historiographer, Plutarke of Chaeronea: translated out of Greeke into French by Iames Amyot, Abbot of Bellozane, Bishop of Auxerre, one of the Kings priuy counsel, and great Amner of Fraunce, and out of French into Englishe, by Thomas North. London: By Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling in the Blacke Friers by Ludgate, 1579.
  • Folger STC 20065
  • Selected images of Folger STC 20065

Possible source

• Daniel, Samuel. The Tragedie of Cleopatra in The poeticall essayes of Sam. Danyel. London : Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterson, 1599. Folger STC 6261 (5 copies)

• Plutarch. The liues of the noble Grecians and Romaines, compared together by that graue learned philosopher and historiographer, Plutarke of Chaeronea. Translated out of Greeke into French by Iames Amiot abbot of Bellozane, Bishop of Auxerre, one of the Kings priuie Counsell, and great Amner of France. VVith the liues of Hannibal and of Scipio African: translated out of Latine into French by Charles de l’Escluse, and out of French into English, by Sir Thomas North Knight. Hereunto are also added the liues of Epaminondas, of Philip of Macedon, of Dionysius the elder, tyrant of Sicilia, of Augustus Caesar, of Plutarke, and of Seneca: with the liues of nine other excellent chiefetaines of warre: collected out of Aemylius Probus, by S.G. S. and Englished by the aforesaid translator. London: By Richard Field for Thomas VVight, 1603. Folger STC 20068 (2 copies)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Florus, Lucius Annaeus. The Roman histories of Lucius Iulius Florus : from the foundation of Rome, till Caesar Augustus, for aboue DCC. yeares, & from thence to Traian near CC. yeares, divided by Flor[us] into IV. ages. Translated into English. London : By William Stansby, [1619]. Folger STC 11103.

• Garnier, Robert. The tragedie of Antonie. Doone into English by the Countesse of Pembroke. London: [By P. Short] for William Ponsonby, 1595. Folger STC 11623

• Giraldi, Giovanni Battista. Cleopatra tragedia [in five acts and in verse. Edited by C. Giraldi]. Venetia, 1583. British Library 1071.k.12.(1.) Digital Images of BL 1071.k.12.(1.)

• Josephus, Flavius. The famous and memorable vvorkes of Iosephus, a man of much honour and learning among the Iewes. Faithfully translated out of the Latin, and French, by Tho. Lodge Doctor in Physicke. [London]: Printed [by Peter Short] at the charges of G. Bishop, S. Waterson, P. Short, and Tho. Adams, 1602.STC 14809

• Lucan. Lucan’s Pharsalia: or The ciuill warres of Rome, betweene Pompey the great, and Iulius Caesar. : The whole ten bookes. Englished, by Thomas May. Esquire. London : Printed [by Augustine Mathewes] for Thomas Iones. and Iohn Marriott, 1627. STC 16887 (3 copies)

Coriolanus

Source

• Plutarch. The liues of the noble Grecians and Romanes, compared together by that graue learned philosopher and historiographer, Plutarke of Chaeronea: translated out of Greeke into French by Iames Amyot, Abbot of Bellozane, Bishop of Auxerre, one of the Kings priuy counsel, and great Amner of Fraunce, and out of French into Englishe, by Thomas North. London: By Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling in the Blacke Friers by Ludgate, 1579.
  • Folger STC 20065
  • Selected images of Folger STC 20065

Possible source

• Florus, Lucius Annaeus. The Roman histories of Lucius Iulius Florus : from the foundation of Rome, till Caesar Augustus, for aboue DCC. yeares, & from thence to Traian near CC. yeares, divided by Flor[us] into IV. ages. Translated into English. London : By William Stansby for Tho: Dewe, [1621?]. STC 11104 (3 copies)
• Livy, The Romane historie / written by T. Livius of Padua ; also, the breviaries of L. Florus, with a chronologie to the whole historie, and topographie of Rome in old time ; translated out of Latine into English by Philemon Holland, doctor in physicke. London: Adam Islip, 1600. Folger STC 16613 (5 copies)

Cymbeline

Source

Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565. Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage

Hamlet

Source

• Saxo Grammaticus, anoru[m] Regu[m] heroumq[ue] historiæ stilo elega[n]tia Saxone Grammatico natione Sialandico necno[n] Roskildensis ecclesiæ præposito. abhinc supra trecentos annos co[n]scriptæ et nu[n]c primum literaria serie illustratæ tersissimeq[ue] impressæ., [Christiern Pedersen ed.]. Jodocus Badius Ascensius, 1514. Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Copenhagen. Full digital images of LN240

• "Ur-Hamelt"

Possible source

• Anon. A vvarning for faire vvomen. : Containing, the most tragicall and lamentable murther of Master George Sanders of London marchant, nigh Shooters hill. Consented vnto by his owne wife, acted by M. Browne, Mistris Drewry and Trusty Roger agents therin: with their seuerall ends. As it hath beene lately diuerse times acted by the right Honorable, the Lord Chamberlaine his Seruantes. London: By Valentine Sims for William Aspley, 1599. Folger STC 25089

• Giovio, Paolo. Pauli Iouii Nouocomensis Episcopi Nucerini Elogia virorum bellica virtute illustrium : septem libris iam olim ab authore comprehensa : et nunc ex eiusdem musaeo ad viuum expressis imaginibus exornata. Basileae : Petri Pernae typographi Basil. opera ac studio, 1575. Folger 177- 995.1f

• Livy, The Romane historie / written by T. Livius of Padua ; also, the breviaries of L. Florus, with a chronologie to the whole historie, and topographie of Rome in old time ; translated out of Latine into English by Philemon Holland, doctor in physicke. London: Adam Islip, 1600. Folger STC 16613 (5 copies)

• Marlowe, Christopher. The tragedie of Dido Queene of Carthage. At London : Printed, by the widdowe Orwin, for Thomas Woodcocke, and are to be solde at his shop, in Paules Church-yeard, at the signe of the blacke Beare, 1594. Folger STC 17411 Title page image

• Newton, Thomas, ed. Agamemnon, Troas, in Seneca His Tenne Tragedies. London: In Fleetstreete neere vnto Saincte Dunstans Church by Thomas Marsh, 1581. Folger STC 2221 (four copies)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon, The Hystorie of Hamblet. London: Richard Bradocke, for Thomas Pavier, 1608. Bodleian Library, Douce Fragm. e.37

• Anon, Fratricide Punished (Der Bestrafte Brudermord)

• The St. Alban's Chronicle, 1406- 1420. Bodley MS. 462

• G., I. Henrici Scotorum Regis Manes Ad Jacobum VI^um Filium, Composed March 1587.

• Goodfellow, Robin (psued), Tarltons nevves out of purgatory. : Onely such a iest as his iigge, fit for gentlemen to laugh at an houre, &c. Published by an old companion of his, Robin Goodfellow, London: Printed by George Purslowe, and are to be sold by Francis Groue, on Snow-hill, at the signe of the Wind-mill, neere vnto St. Sepulchres Church, 1630. Folger STC 23686 (imperfect)

• Woodes, Nathaniel. ''An excellent new commedie, intituled: The conflict of conscience.'' London: by Richard Bradocke [i.e. R. Jones?], 1581. Folger STC 25966.2

Julius Caesar

Source

• Plutarch. The liues of the noble Grecians and Romanes, compared together by that graue learned philosopher and historiographer, Plutarke of Chaeronea: translated out of Greeke into French by Iames Amyot, Abbot of Bellozane, Bishop of Auxerre, one of the Kings priuy counsel, and great Amner of Fraunce, and out of French into Englishe, by Thomas North. London: By Thomas Vautroullier dvvelling in the Blacke Friers by Ludgate, 1579. Folger STC 20065 Selected images of Folger STC 20065

Possible source

• Anon. The tragedie of Caesar and Pompey or Caesars reuenge. : Priuately acted by the students of Trinity Colledge in Oxforde. London : Imprinted [by George Eld] for Nathaniel Fosbrooke and Iohn Wright and are to be sold in Paules Church-yarde at the signe of the Helmet, 1607. Folger STC 4340

• Appianus, of Alexandria. An auncient historie and exquisite chronicle of the Romanes warres : both ciuile and foren. London: By Raulfe Newberrie and Henrie [B]ynniman, 1578. Folger STC 713.3 and 713.35

• Pescetti, Orlando. Il Cesare, tragedia. Verona, 1594. British Library 1071.m.1.(4.).

• Tacitus, Cornelius. The annales of Cornelius Tacitus. The description of Germanie. Trans. Richard Grenewey. [London]:[By Arn. Hatfield, for Bonham and Iohn Norton], M. D. XCVIII. [1598]. Folger STC 23644 (4 copies)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Eedes, Richard. Epilogus Caesris interfecti, quomodo in scenam prodiit ea res acta in ecclesia... Bodleian MS Top. Oxon. e. 5, f. 359.

• Elyot, Thomas.The boke named the Gouernour, deuised by s[ir] Thomas Elyot knight. Londini: In edibus Tho. Bertheleti, An. d[omi]ni M.D.xxxi. [1531]. STC 7635

• Florus, Lucius Annaeus. The Roman histories of Lucius Iulius Florus : from the foundation of Rome, till Caesar Augustus, for aboue DCC. yeares, & from thence to Traian near CC. yeares, divided by Flor[us] into IV. ages. Translated into English. London : By Wil· Stansby, [1619]. [ http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=159325 Folger STC 11103]

• Higgins, John. The mirour for migistrates [sic] : wherein may bee seene, by examples passed in this realme, with how greeuous plagues vices are punished in great princes and magistrates, and how fraile and vnstable worldly prosperity is found, where fortune seemeth most highly to fauour: newly imprinted, and with the addition of diuers tragedies enlarged. London: In Fleetestreete, by Henry Marsh, being the assigne of Thomas Marsh, 1587. Cum priuilegio. Folger STC 13445 (3 copies)

• Sallust. The tvvo most vvorthy and notable histories which remaine vnmained to posterity : (viz:) the conspiracie of Cateline, vndertaken against the gouernment of the Senate of Rome, and the vvarre which Iugurth for many yeares maintained against the same state. Both written by C.C. Salustius. Trans. Thomas Heywood. London: [By William Jaggard] for Iohn Iaggard, dwelling in Fleetstreet betweene the two Temple gates, at the signe of the Hand and Starre, 1608 [i.e. 1609]. Folger STC 21625 (3 copies)

• Suetonius. The historie of tvvelve Caesars, emperours of Rome: vvritten in Latine by C. Suetonius Tranquillus, and newly translated into English, by Philêmon Holland, Doctor in Physicke. Togeather [sic] with a marginall glosse, and other briefe annotations there-upon. London: Printed [by Humphrey Lownes and George Snowdon] for Matthew Lownes, 1606. Folger STC 23423 (3 copies)

• Velleius Paterculus. C. Velleij Paterculi Historiae Romanae ad M. Vinicium Cos. libri II / ab Aldo Manutio, Paulli f. Aldi n. emendati, et scholiis illustrati. Venetiis : Ex aedibus Manutianis, MDLXXI. [1571]. Folger PA6798 .H5 1571 Cage.
  • --. Velleius Paterculus his Romane historie : in two bookes. Exactly translated out of the Latine edition supervised by Ianus Gruterus. According to the reformations in such parts of him, in which the Latin hath suffered either by time, or negligence in the transcribers of the ablest commenters upon him. And rendred English by Sr. Robert Le Grys Knt. London : Printed by M[iles] F[lesher] for R. Swaine, in Britaines-Burse at the signe of the Bible, M DC XXXII. [1632]. [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=167854 Folger STC 24633 (2 copies).

King Lear

Source

• Anon. The true chronicle history of King Leir, and his three daughters, Gonorill, Ragan, and Cordella. : As it hath bene diuers and sundry times lately acted. London : Printed by Simon Stafford for Iohn Wright, and are to bee sold at his shop at Christes Church dore, next Newgate-market, 1605. Folger STC 15343 Cover-to-cover images of Folger STC 15343

• Harsnett, Samuel. A declaration of egregious popish impostures. London: James Roberts, 1603. Folger STC 12880 (3 copies)

• Higgins, John. The first parte of the Mirour for magistrates : contayning the falles of the first infortunate princes of this lande: from the comming of Brute to the incarnation of our sauiour and redemer Iesu Christe. London: Thomas Marshe, Anno. 1575. Folger STC 13444.

• Holinshed, Raphael. The first and second volumes of Chronicles : comprising 1 The description and historie of England, 2 The description and historie of Ireland, 3 The description and historie of Scotland: first collected and published by Raphaell Holinshed, William Harrison, and others: now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of singular note and worthie memorie) to the yeare 1586. by Iohn Hooker aliàs Vowell Gent. and others. With conuenient tables at the end of these volumes.[London]: Finished in Ianuarie 1587, and the 29 of the Queenes Maiesties reigne, with the full continuation of the former yeares, at the expenses of Iohn Harison, George Bishop, Rafe Newberie, Henrie Denham, and Thomas VVoodcocke. At London printed [by Henry Denham] in Aldersgate street at the signe of the Starre, [1587]]. FolgerSTC 13569 (6 copies) Digital images for STC 13569 copy 3

• Sidney, Philip. The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia [manuscript], ca. 1585. Folger MS H.b.1 Cover to cover images of Folger MS H.b.1
• Sidney, Philip. The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia, written by Sir Philippe Sidnei. London: for William Ponsonby, 1590. British Library (2 copies)

• Spenser, Edmund. The faerie queene : disposed into twelue bookes, fashioning XII morall vertues. London: [by Richard Field] for William Ponsonbie, 1596. Folger STC 23082 (6 copies) selected images from Folger STC 23082 copy 1

Possible source

• Camden, William. Remaines of a greater Worke, concerning Britaine, the inhabitants thereof, their Languages, Names, Surnames, Empreses, Wise Speeches, poësies and epitaphes [by M. N., i.e. W. Camden]. London : Printed by G. E. for S. Waterson, 1605. British Library, 3 copies
  • London: printed by Thomas Warren, for Isabella Waterson, 1657. British Library copy imaged for Google Books

• Geoffrey of Monmouth, historia regum Britanniae
  • English translation: Geoffrey of Monmouth, The British history : translated into English from the Latin of Jeffrey of Monmouth. With a large preface concerning the authority of the History. [trans.] By Aaron Thompson. London: Printed for J. Bowyer, H. Clements, and W. and J. Innys, 1718. Folger 155- 857q.

• Warner, William. The first and second parts of Albions England. London: By Thomas Orwin, for Thomas Cadman, 1589. Folger STC 25080 (2 copies)

Macbeth

Source

• Holinshed, Raphael. The first and second volumes of Chronicles : comprising 1 The description and historie of England, 2 The description and historie of Ireland, 3 The description and historie of Scotland: first collected and published by Raphaell Holinshed, William Harrison, and others: now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of singular note and worthie memorie) to the yeare 1586. by Iohn Hooker aliàs Vowell Gent. and others. With conuenient tables at the end of these volumes.[London]: Finished in Ianuarie 1587, and the 29 of the Queenes Maiesties reigne, with the full continuation of the former yeares, at the expenses of Iohn Harison, George Bishop, Rafe Newberie, Henrie Denham, and Thomas VVoodcocke. At London printed [by Henry Denham] in Aldersgate street at the signe of the Starre, [1587]]. FolgerSTC 13569 (6 copies) Digital images for STC 13569 copy 3

Possible source

• Buchanan, George. The history of Scotland / written in Latin, by George Buchanan ; faithfully rendered into English. I have carefully and diligently perused this translation of Buchanan’s History ; and, finding it to be faithfully and exactly done, have therefore allowed it to be printed. August 13th, 1689. J. Fraser. London : Printed by Edw. Jones, for Awnsham Churchil, at the Black Swan in Ave-Mary-Lane, near Pater-Noster-Row, 1690. Folger 161320

• Leslie, John. De origine moribvs, et rebvs gestis Scotorum. Romae: In aedibus populi Romani, 1578. Folger 270150

• Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. The seuenth tragedie of Seneca, entituled Medea: translated out of Latin into English, by Iohn Studley, student in Trinitie Colledge in Cambridge. London: In Fleetestreate, beneth the Conduit, at the signe of Sainct Iohn Euangelist, by Thomas Colwell, Anno Domini M.DL̇XVI. [1566]. STC 22224

Similar contemporary narratives

• Northampton, Henry Howard (Earl of). A defensatiue against the poyson of supposed prophecies. [London] : Printed by Iohn Charlewood, seruant to the right Honorable Philip Earle of Arundell, 1583. And reprinted by W. Iaggard, and to be sold by Mathew Lownes in Pauls church-yard, at the signe of the Bishops head, 1620. STC 13859 (3 copies)

• Warner, William. A continuance of Albions England: by the first author. London: by Felix Kyngston [and Richard Bradock?] for George Potter, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls Church-yard, at the signe of the Bible, 1606. Folger STC 25085 (3 copies)

Measure for Measure

Source

Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565. Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage

Othello

Source

Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565. Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage

Possible source

Bandello, Matteo. Certaine tragicall discourses : writtten [sic] oute of Frenche and Latin, by Geffraie Fenton, no lesse profitable then pleasaunt, and of like necessitye to al degrees that take pleasure in antiquityes or forreine reapportes. Trans. Geoffrey Fenton. London: Thomas Marshe, 1567. Folger STC 1356.1

Knolles, Richard. The generall historie of the Turkes: from the first beginning of that nation to the rising of the Othoman familie: with all the notable expeditions of the Christian princes against them. Together with the liues and conquests of the Othoman kings and emperours faithfullie collected out of the- best histories, both auntient and moderne, and digested into one continuat historie vntill this present yeare 1603: by Richard Knolles. London: Printed by Adam Islip, 1603. Folger STC 15051

The Two Noble Kinsmen

Source

Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565. Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage

The Winter's Tale

Similar contemporary narratives

Sources:

Hamnet and the expertise of Folger cataloguers

Geoffrey Bullough, Narrative and Dramatic Sources of Shakespeare. New York: Columbia University Perss, 1973.