List of sources for Shakespeare's plays

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This list is a work in progress, as we attempt to gather catalogue records and digital facsimiles of the works that influenced (or may have influenced) Shakespeare.

All's Well That Ends Well

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Antony and Cleopatra

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  • 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.
  • 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.

Possible source

  • Daniel, Samuel. The Tragedie of Cleopatra in The poeticall essayes of Sam. Danyel. London : Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterson, 1599.
  • 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.

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

As You Like It

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The Comedy of Errors

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Coriolanus

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  • 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.

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?].
  • 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.

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Cymbeline

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  • Anon. Here begynneth a propre treatyse of a marchauntes wyfe, that afterwarde wente lyke a man and became a grete lorde, and was called Frederyke of Jennen. London: Abraham Vele, [1560?].
  • Boccaccio, Giovanni. The decameron : containing an hundred pleasant nouels. Wittily discoursed, betweene seauen honourable ladies, and three noble gentlemen. London: Isaac Jaggard, 1620.
  • Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565.
  • 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]].

Possible source

  • Anon. The rare triumphes of loue and fortune. Plaide before the Queenes most excellent Maiestie: wherin are manye fine conceites with great delight. London: by E[dward] A[llde] for Edward White, 1589.
    • Huntington Library

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  • 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.
  • Tasso, Torquanto. Godfrey of Bulloigne, or The recouerie of Ierusalem. Done into English heroicall verse, by Edward Fairefax Gent. London: By Ar. Hatfield, for I. Iaggard and M. Lownes, 1600.

Hamlet

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  • 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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Newton, Thomas, ed. Agamemnon, Troas, in Seneca His Tenne Tragedies. London: In Fleetstreete neere vnto Saincte Dunstans Church by Thomas Marsh, 1581.

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  • The St. Alban's Chronicle, 1406- 1420. Bodley MS. 462
  • G., I. Henrici Scotorum Regis Manes Ad Jacobum VIum 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.
  • Woodes, Nathaniel. An excellent new commedie, intituled: The conflict of conscience. London: by Richard Bradocke [i.e. R. Jones?], 1581.

Henry IV, Part 1

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  • 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]].

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.
  • 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].

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.
  • Anon. A new enterlude called Thersytes. London: John Tysdale, [1562?].
  • Lyly, John. Endimion the Man in the Moone. 1591.
  • 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

Henry IV, Part 2

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  • 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]].

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.
  • 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].
  • 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.
  • 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].

Similar contemporary narratives

  • Anon. Hyckescorner. [London] : Wynkyn de Worde, [1510?]
  • Anon. Tarltons iests. : Drawne into these three parts. 1 His court-wittie iests 2 His sound cittie iests. 3 His country prettie iests. Full of delight, wit, and honest myrth. London : Printed [by Thomas Snodham] for Iohn Budge, and are to be sold at his shop, at the great South doore of Paules, 1613.

Henry V

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  • 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]].
  • 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].

Possible source

  • Anon, Here after foloweth ye batayll of Egyngecourte [and] the great sege of Rone by kynge Henry of Monmouthe the fyfthe of the name that wan Gascoyne and Gyenne and Normandye. [Inpryntyd at Londo[n] : In Foster lane in saynt Leonardes parysshe by me Ioh[a]n Skot, [1536?]].
  • Daniel, Samuel. The Tragedie of Cleopatra in The poeticall essayes of Sam. Danyel. London : Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterson, 1599.
  • Smythe, John. Instructions, obseruations, and orders mylitarie. : Requisite for all chieftaines, captaines, and higher and lower men of charge, and officers to vnderstand, knowe, and obserue. Composed by Sir Iohn Smithe Knight, 1591. London: By Richard Iohnes, at the signe of the Rose and Crowne next aboue S. Andrewes Church in Holborne, 1595.

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Henry VI, Part 1

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  • Geoffrey of Monmouth, Pontici Virunnii viri doctissimi Britannicae historiae libri sex : magna et fide et diligentia conscripti: ad Britannici codicis fidem correcti, & ab infinitis mendis liberati: quibus praefixus est catalogus regum Britanniae: per Dauidem Pouelum, S. Theolog. professorem. Londini: Apud Edmundum Bollifantum, impensis Henrici Denhami, & Radulphi Nuberij, 1585.
  • 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.
  • 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]].

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Henry VI, Part 2

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Henry VI, Part 3

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Henry VIII

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  • 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.
  • 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]].

Possible source

  • Rowley, Samuel. When you see me, you know me. Or the famous chronicle historie of King Henry the eight, with the birth and vertuous life of Edward Prince of Wales. As it was playd by the high and mightie Prince of Wales his seruants. By Samvell Rovvly, seruant to the Prince. London: [by H. Lownes and others] for Nathaniell Butter, and are to be sold in Paules Church-yeard neare Saint Austines gate, 1605.

Similar contemporary narratives

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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].

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].
  • 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].
  • 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.
  • 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].
  • 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.
  • 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].
  • --. 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].

King John

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]].

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.
  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • Bale, John. King Johan. Manuscript.

King Lear

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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]].

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

Similar contemporary narratives

Love's Labor's Lost

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Similar contemporary narratives

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]].

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

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.
  • 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.

Measure for Measure

Source

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

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The Merchant of Venice

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The Merry Wives of Windsor

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

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Much Ado About Nothing

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Othello

Source

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

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  • 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.
  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

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].
  • 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?]

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  • Sidney, Philip. The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia [manuscript], ca. 1585.
  • Sidney, Philip. The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia, written by Sir Philippe Sidnei. London: for William Ponsonby, 1590.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Richard II

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Richard III

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Romeo and Juliet

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The Taming of the Shrew

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The Tempest

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].
  • Strachey, William. "A True Reportory of the Wracke and Redemption of Sir Thomas Gates, Knight," in Purchas his pilgrimes: In fiue bookes. London: Printed by William Stansby for Henrie Fetherstone, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the Rose, 1625.

Possible source

  • Counsell for Virginia. A true declaration of the estate of the colonie in Virginia : vvith a confutation of such scandalous reports as haue tended to the disgrace of so worthy an enterprise. Published by aduise and direction of the Councell of Virginia. London: Printed [by Eliot’s Court Press and William Stansby] for William Barret, and are to be sold [by Edward Blount] at the blacke Beare in Pauls Church-yard, 1610.
  • --. A true and sincere declaration of the purpose and ends of the plantation begun in Virginia. London: Printed for I. Stepneth, 1610.

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  • Anon. A most pleasant Comedie [in verse and prose] of Mucedorus the kings sonne of Valentia and Amadine the Kings daughter of Arragon, with the merie conceites of Mouse, etc. London : Imprinted for W. Jones, 1610.
  • Calahorra, Diego Ortúñez de Calahorra. The Mirrour of Princely deedes and knighthood: wherein is shewed the worthinesse of the Knight of the Sunne, and his brother Rosicleer ... with the strange loue of the beautifull and excellent Princesse Briana ... Now newly translated out of Spanish. Trans. Margaret Tyler. London : Thomas East, [1578].
  • --. The third part of the first booke, of the Mirrour of knighthood. London: By Thomas East, [1586?].

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.

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.
  • Lyly, John. Campaspe. London: [By Thomas Dawson] for Thomas Cadman, 1584.

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?].
  • 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].
  • 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.)].

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].
  • [A Later edition] --. The .XV. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated ... by Arthur Golding, etc. London : B. Waldegrave, 1587.
  • 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.

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?].
  • 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.

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  • 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.

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.
  • 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].

Possible source

  • Alleyn, Edward. The Troilus and Cressida Plot in Stage plots of five Elizabethan plays. 1589-1603. British Library Add MS 10449.
  • Lydgate, John. The hystorye, sege and dystruccyon of Troye.[London] : [Printed by Richard Pynson], [1513].
  • 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].
  • [A Later edition] --. The .XV. bookes of P. Ouidius Naso, entytuled Metamorphosis, translated ... by Arthur Golding, etc. London : B. Waldegrave, 1587.

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Twelfth Night

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The Two Gentlemen of Verona

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The Two Noble Kinsmen

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The Winter's Tale

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].
  • Greene, Robert. Pandosto the Triumph of Time. London: By Thomas Orwin for Thomas Cadman, dwelling at the signe of the Bible, neere vnto the north doore of Paules, 1588.
  • --. Pandosto : the triumph of time. London: [by R. Field] for I. B[rome], 1592.
  • --. The second and last part of conny-catching : with new additions containing many merry tales of all lawes worth the reading, because they are worthy to be remembred : discoursing strange cunning in coosnage, which if you reade without laughing, Ile giue you my cap for a noble / R.G.. London: John Wolfe for William Wright, 1592.

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Similar contemporary narratives

  • Anon. The history of the tryall of cheualry : vvith the life and death of Caualiero Dicke Bowyer. As it hath bin lately acted by the right Honourable the Earle of Darby his seruants. London: Simon Stafford for Nathaniel Butter, 1605.
  • Forde, Emanuel. Parismus, the Renowned Prince of Bohemia. His most famous, delectable, and pleasant Historie. Conteining his Noble Battailes fought against the Persians. His love to Laurana, the King’s Daughter of Thessaly and his strange adventures in the Desolate Iand, etc. London: 1598, 1599. (2 parts)
  • -- Parismenos : the second part of the most famous, delectable, and pleasant historie of Parismus, the renowned prince of Bohemia. The aduenturous trauels and noble chiualrie of Parismenos, the knight of fame, in diuers countries. London: Thomas Creede, 1599.
  • Sidney, Philip. The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia [manuscript], ca. 1585.
  • Sidney, Philip. The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia, written by Sir Philippe Sidnei. London: for William Ponsonby, 1590.


Sources:

Hamnet and the expertise of Folger cataloguers

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