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.
  • Folger 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.
  • Folger 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?].
  • Folger 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

Henry IV, Part 1

Source

• Baldwin, William, et al. A myrroure for magistrates. : Wherein may be seen by example of other, with howe greuous plages vices are punished: and howe frayle and vnstable worldly prosperitie is founde, even of those, whom fortune seemeth most highly to fauour. Anno. 1559. London: In aedibus Thomae Marshe, [1559].
  • Folger STC 1247 (incomplete)
  • British Library (2 copies)

• 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

• Daniel, Samuel. The first fovvre bookes of the ciuile wars between the two houses of Lancaster and Yorke. London: Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterson, 1595.
  • Folger STC 6244 (2 copies)
• Stow, John. The chronicles of England : from Brute vnto this present yeare of Christ. 1580. Collected by Iohn Stow citizen of London. London: By [Henry Bynneman for] Ralphe Newberie, at the assignement of Henrie Bynneman, [1580].
  • Folger STC 23333

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. Here begynneth a propre newe interlude of the Worlde and the Chylde, otherwise called Mundus & Infans, & it sheweth of the estate of chyldehode and manhode. : [Woodcut, with heading:] Mundus. [C8\v] Here endeth the interlude of Mundus & Infans. Imprynted at London in Fletestrete at the sygne of ye Sone by me Wynkyn de worde ..., 1522, 17 July.
  • Trinity College, Dublin, Press A.4.8
• Anon. A new enterlude called Thersytes. London: John Tysdale, [1562?].
  • Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin, PForz 523 PFZ
  • Cover-to-cover images of PForz 523 PFZ
• Lyly, John. Endimion the Man in the Moone. 1591.
  • British Library C.34.d.9.
• Rastell, John. A new iuterlude [sic] and a mery of the nature of the .iiii. element declarynge many proper poynt of phylosophy naturall, and of dyuers straunge landys, and of dyuers straunge effects [and] causis, whiche interlude yf ye hole matter be playd wyl conteyne the space of an hour and a halfe, but yf le lyst ye may leue out muche of the sad mater as the messengers p[ar]te, and some of experyens p[ar]te [and] yet the matter wyl depend conuenyently, and than it wyll not be paste thre quarters of an hour of length. [London]: [John Rastell], [1520?].
  • ESTC claims British Library holdings (2), but not found in Explorer

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].
  • Folger 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].
  • 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].
  • Folger STC 24633 (2 copies)

King John

Source

• Anon. [The] troublesome raigne of Iohn King of England. London: [By T. Orwin] for Sampson Clarke, and are to be solde at his shop, on the backe-side of the Royal Exchange, 1591.
  • Folger STC 14644
  • Cover-to-cover images of Folger STC 14644

• 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

• Foxe, John. Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [London]: [Imprinted by Iohn Daye, dwellyng ouer Aldersgate beneath S. Martins], An. 1583. Mens. Octobr.
  • Folger STC 11225
  • John Foxe's The Acts and Monuments Online
• Hall, Edward. The vnion of the two noble and illustrate famelies of Lancastre [and] Yorke beeyng long in continual discension for the croune of this noble realme : with all the actes done in bothe the tymes of the princes, bothe of the one linage and of the other, beginnyng at the tyme of kyng Henry the fowerth, the first aucthor of this deuision, and so successiuely proceadyng to the reigne of the high and prudent prince kyng Henry the eight, the vndubitate flower and very heire of both the sayd linages. [Londini] : [in officina Richardi Graftoni typis impress.], 1548.
  • Folger STC 12721 (3 copies)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Bale, John. King Johan. Manuscript.

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
• --. Remaines concerning Britain ... The sixth impression ... By the industry and care of Iohn Philipot. London: printed by Thomas Warren, for Isabella Waterson, 1657.
  • British Library 1608/4651
  • 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

Pericles

Source

• Gower, John. Io. Gower de confessione amantis. London: In Fletestrete by Thomas Berthelette, the. XII. daie of Marche. An. M.D.LIIII. [1554].
  • Folger STC 12144 (2 copies)
• Twyne, Laurence. The Patterne of painefull Aduentures: Containing the most excellent, pleasant and variable Historie of the strange accidents that befell vnto Prince Apollonius, the Lady Lucina his wife and Tharsia his daughter. Wherein the vncertaintie of this world, and the fickle state of mans life are liuely described. Gathered into English by Laurence Twine Gentleman. London: Valentine Simmes for teh Widow Newman, [1594?]
  • British Library Huth43.

Similar contemporary narratives

• 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)
• Le Sylvain. The orator : handling a hundred seuerall discourses, in forme of declamations: some of the arguments being drawne from Titus Liuius and other ancient vvriters, the rest of the authors owne inuention: part of which are of matters happened in our age. Written in French by Alexander Siluayn, and Englished by L.P. Trans. Lazarus Piot. London: Adam Islip, 1596.
  • Folger STC 4182 (2 copies)
• Wilkins, George. The Painfull adventures of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. Being the true History of the Play of Pericles [by William Shakespeare] as it was lately presented by the worthy and ancient Poet Iohn Gower. London: by T. P. for Nathaniel Butter, 1608.
  • British Library C.34.l.8.

Timon of Athens

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

• * Lucian of Samosata. I dilettevoli dialogi, le vere narrationi, le facete epistole di Luciano, di Greco in volgare tradotte par N. da Lonigo, historiate, e di nuovo ... emendate. Vinegia, 1535.
  • British Library (2 copies)
• Lyly, John. Campaspe. London: [By Thomas Dawson] for Thomas Cadman, 1584.
  • Folger STC 17048

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. Timon. (After 1601). Victoria and Albert Museum, Dyce MSS 52.

• Boaistuau, Pierre. Theatrum mundi : the theatre or rule of the world, wherein may be sene the running race and course of euerye mans life, as touching miserie and felicity, wherin is contained wonderfull examples, learned deuises, to the ouerthrowe of vice, and exalting of vertue. wherevnto is added a learned, and maruellous worke of the excellencie of mankinde. Written in the Frenche & Latin tongues by Peter Boaystuau, and translated into English by Iohn Alday. London: H. D[enham] for Thomas Hacket, [1566?].
  • Folger STC 3168

• Boiardo, Matteo Maria. Timone : comedia / del magnifico conte Matheo Maria Boyardo conte de Scandiano ; traducta de uno dialogo de Luciano a copiace[n]tia de lo illustrissimo pri[n]cipe signore Hercule Este[n]se duca de Ferrara &c. Venetia : Per Zuane Tacuino de Cereto da Trin, del MDXVII, adi XX de setembrio [20 September 1517].
  • PQ4612 .T5 1517 Cage
• Painter, William. The palace of pleasure beautified, adorned and well furnished, with pleasaunt histories and excellent nouelles, selected out of diuers good and commendable authors. By William Painter clarke of the ordinaunce and armarie. [London] : 1566. Imprinted at London, by [John Kingston and] Henry Denham, for Richard Tottell and William Iones[. These bookes are to be solde at the long shoppe at the weast ende of Paules], [1566 (26 Jan.)].
  • Folger STC 19121 (4 copies)

Titus Andronicus

Source

• Ovid. The .xv. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated oute of Latin into English meeter, by Arthur Golding Gentleman, a worke very pleasaunt and delectable. 1567. Trans. Arthur Golding. London: By Willyam Seres, [1567].
  • (2 copies)
• [A Later edition] --. The .XV. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated ... by Arthur Golding, etc. London : B. Waldegrave, 1587.
  • British Library 1068.g.25
  • Full images of BL 1068.g.25

• Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. The seconde tragedie of Seneca entituled Thyestes faithfully Englished by Iasper Heywood fellowe of Alsolne College in Oxforde. Trans. Jasper Heywood. London: In Fletestrete in the hous late Thomas Berthelettes, Anno. 1560. 26. die Martij.
  • Folger STC 22226

Possible source

• [Later publication] Anon. The history of Titus Andronicus, the renowned Roman general. Newly translated from the Italian copy printed at Rome. London : Printed and sold by C. Dicey, [1750?].
  • Folger STC PR3291.H685 Cage

• 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

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. A Lamentable BALLAD of the Tragical End / OF A / Gallant LORD and Vertuous LADY: / Together with the untimely Death of their Two CHILDREN; wickedly performed by a Heathenish / and Blood-thirsty Black a-Moor, their Servant; the like of which Cruelty and Murder was never before / heard of. London: Printed and sold in Bow Church-Yard: Where Chap- / men, Travellers, &c. may be furnish'd with the best Sorts / of Old and New Ballads, Broadsheets, Histories, &c. with / finer Cuts, much better printed, and cheaper than in any / other Place in England.
  • Houghton Library EB75 P4128C no.109
  • EBBA 34451

Troilus and Cressida

Source

• Homer. Seauen bookes of the Iliades of Homere, prince of poets, translated according to the Greeke, in iudgement of his best commentaries by George Chapman Gent. Trams. George Chapman. London: John Windet, 1598.
  • Folger STC 13632
• Lefèvre, Raoul. hEre begynneth the volume intituled and named the recuyell of the historyes of Troye. Trans. William Caxton. [Bruges]: [Printed by William Caxton and, probably, Colard Mansion], [1473 or 1474].
  • BL C.11.c.1.

Possible source

• Alleyn, Edward. The Troilus and Cressida Plot in Stage plots of five Elizabethan plays. 1589-1603. British Library Add MS 10449.
  • BL Add MS 10449

• Lydgate, John. The hystorye, sege and dystruccyon of Troye.[London] : [Printed by Richard Pynson], [1513].
  • Folger STC 5579

• Ovid. The .xv. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated oute of Latin into English meeter, by Arthur Golding Gentleman, a worke very pleasaunt and delectable. 1567. Trans. Arthur Golding. London: By Willyam Seres, [1567].
  • (2 copies)
• [A Later edition] --. The .XV. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated ... by Arthur Golding, etc. London : B. Waldegrave, 1587.
  • British Library 1068.g.25
  • Full images of BL 1068.g.25

Similar contemporary narratives

• Henryson, Robert. The Testament of Cresseid. Edinburgh: Henry Charteris, 1593.
  • British Library C.21.c.14.

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.