List of sources for Shakespeare's plays

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. The terms Source, Possible Source, and Similar contemporary narratives attempt to give a general ranking of the confidence scholars have provided with their assertions of a given work's relationship to Shakespeare's particular interpretation. There are, of course, nearly as many debates as there are sources. We recommend using this list as inspiration to look up the history of any mentioned title's relationship to the Shakespeare text in question.

All's Well That Ends Well

Source

• Painter, William. The palace of pleasure beautified adorned and well furnished. London: Thomas Marshe, [1575].
  • Folger STC 19123
  • British Library, 243.h.5.; 243.h.6.

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

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
  • British Library C.13.a.4
  • Huntington Library 60072
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PForz 8 PFZ

• 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
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

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)
  • British Library (2 copies)
    • Cover-to-cover images, British Library 643.e.23-25
  • Boston Public Library G.3970.15
    • Cover-to-cover images, Boston Public Library, G.3970.16

• 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)
  • British Library 10604.i.13.
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Ag N811 +579ℓca
  • Huntington Library 62963
  • Boston Public Library RARE BKS G.290.59 FOLIO

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.
  • Huntington Library 30044
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, DG 207 F63 1619

• 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
  • Huntington Library 59871
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PForz 398 PFZ
  • Full-text transcription via EEBO-TCP, Not Folger Copy

• 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.)
  • Huntington Library 114584 ANAL
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, BLOM 157

• 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)

As You Like It

Source

• Anon. The historie of the tvvo valiant knights, Syr Clyomon Knight of the Golden Sheeld, sonne to the King of Denmarke: and Clamydes the white Knight, sonne to the King of Suauia. London: printed by Thomas Creede, 1599.
  • Folger STC 5450a
  • Huntington Library 69030
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Pforz 187 PFZ

• Lodge, Thomas. Rosalynde. London: Thomas Orwin for Thomas Gubbin and John Busbie, 1590.
  • Folger STC 16664
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Pforz 630 PFZ

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

The Comedy of Errors

Source

• Plautus, Titus Maccius. Menaecmi. : A pleasant and fine conceited comaedie, taken out of the most excellent wittie poet Plautus: chosen purposely from out the rest, as least harmefull, and yet most delightfull. Written in English, by VV.VV. London: by Thomas Creede, to be sold by William Barley, 1595.
  • Folger STC 20002 (3 copies)
  • British Library C.34.e.24.
  • Huntington Library 62970

Possible 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)
  • Huntington Library 61194
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- PFORZ 422 PFZ
  • Boston Public Library G.4071.6
    • Images of BPL G.4071.6

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

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
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

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)
  • Huntington Library 41921

• 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)
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -Q- DG 207 L5 H6

Similar contemporary narratives None yet identified

Cymbeline

Source

• 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?].
  • British Library C.20.c.31(6)
• Boccaccio, Giovanni. The decameron : containing an hundred pleasant nouels. Wittily discoursed, betweene seauen honourable ladies, and three noble gentlemen. London: Isaac Jaggard, 1620.
  • Folger STC 3172 (4 copies)
    • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 3172 copy 1 vol. 1
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 18918a
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PQ 4272 E5 A3 1620
  • Boston Public Library G.401.76 FOLIO
    • Images of BPL G.401.76 FOLIO

• Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale : Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565.
  • Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage
  • Huntington Library 82606 (2 volumes)
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, 853 G441h

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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 69669

Similar contemporary narratives

• 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
  • British library (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 59703

• Tasso, Torquanto. Godfrey of Bulloigne, or The recouerie of Ierusalem. Done into English heroicall verse, by Edward Fairefax Gent. London: By Arnold Hatfield, for I. Iaggard and M. Lownes, 1600.
  • Folger STC 23698 (3 copies)
  • Huntington Library 69619
  • University of Texas, Harry Ransom Center, PQ 4642 E21 F3 1600
  • Boston Public Library G.4076.66
    • Digital images of BPL G.4076.66

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
  • Huntington Library 79612
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 1059 PFZ

• 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)
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -Q- DG 207 L5 H6

• 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
  • Huntington Library 62481

• Newton, Thomas, ed. Agamemnon and Troas, in Seneca His Tenne Tragedies. London: In Fleetstreete neere vnto Saincte Dunstans Church by Thomas Marsh, 1581.
  • Folger STC 2221 (four copies)
  • Huntington Library 22294
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 867 PFZ

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
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 79892
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 1095 PFZ

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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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)
  • British library C.34.h.4.
  • Huntington Library 60931
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Wg D226 595faa WRE
  • Boston Public Library G.4073.22
    • Images of BPL G.4073.22

• 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
  • British Library 807.c.30.
  • Huntington Library 424275

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?].
  • Huntington Library 69630
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PForz 523 PFZ
    • Cover-to-cover images of PForz 523 PFZ

• Lyly, John. Endimion the Man in the Moone. At London : Printed by I. Charlewood, for the widdowe Broome, 1591.
  • British Library C.34.d.9.
  • Huntington Library 62388

• 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 lists two copies at the British Library, these are probably:
  • British Library C.39.b.17 (cataloged as 1530?)
  • British Library Case 39.b.17 (catalogued as c. 1530)

Henry IV, Part 2

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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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)
  • British library C.34.h.4.
  • Huntington Library 60931
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Wg D226 595faa WRE
  • Boston Public Library G.4073.22
    • Images of BPL G.4073.22

• 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
  • British Library G.735.
  • Huntington Library 59208
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 354 PFZ

• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447
• 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
  • British Library 807.c.30.
  • Huntington Library 424275

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. Hyckescorner. [London] : Wynkyn de Worde, [1510?]
  • British Library C.21.c.4
• 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.
  • Folger STC 23683.8
    • Title page for Folger STC 23683.8

Henry V

Source

• Anon, The famous victories of Henry the fifth: containing the honourable Battell of Agin-court: as it was plaide by thc [sic] the Queenes Maiesties Players. London: Printed by Thomas Creede, 1598.
  • Huntington Library 12846
• [A later edition] Anon. The famous victories of Henry the fifth : Containing the honourable Battell of Agincourt. As it was acted by the Kinges Maiesties seruants. London : Imprinted by Barnard Alsop, dwelling in Garter place in Barbican, 1617.
  • Folger STC 13073

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 20470 pt. 1
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, DG 207 T3 G7 1590

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?]].
  • Bodleian Library S.Seld. d.45 (8)
• 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)
  • British Library (2 copies)
    • Cover-to-cover images, British Library 643.e.23-25
  • Boston Public Library G.3970.15
    • Cover-to-cover images, Boston Public Library, G.3970.16

• 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.
  • Folger STC 6261 (5 copies)
  • British Library (2 copies)
    • Cover-to-cover images, British Library 643.e.23-25
  • Boston Public Library G.3970.15
    • Cover-to-cover images, Boston Public Library, G.3970.16

Similar contemporary narratives

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ

Henry VI, Part 1

Source

• 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.
  • STC 20109 (2 copies)
  • British Library (3 copies)
  • Huntington Library 62936

• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447
• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Henry VI, Part 2

Source

• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447

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
  • British Library 4824.k.3.
  • Huntington Library 59843
  • John Foxe's The Acts and Monuments Online

• Grafton, Richard. A chronicle at large and meere history of the affayres of Englande and kinges of the same. London: [by Henry Denham, dwelling in Paternoster Rowe, for Richarde Tottle and Humffrey Toye], [Anno. 1569. the last of March].
  • STC 12147 (4 copies)
  • British Library C.15.b.5.
  • Huntington Library 61192
  • Huntington Library 61191
  • Huntington Library 61276
  • Harvard University Houghton Library STC 12147

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. The life and death of Iacke Straw, a notable rebell in England : vvho was kild in Smithfield by the Lord Maior of London. London: By Iohn Danter, and are to be solde by VVilliam Barley at his shop in Gratious-street ouer against Leaden-Hall, 1593 [i.e. 1594].
  • British Library C.34.b.46.
• 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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ

• Nelson, Thomas. The Device of the Pageant: set forth by the Worshipfull Companie of the Fishmongers, for the right honourable Iohn Allot: established Lord Maior of London, and Maior of the Staple for ... 1590. London, 1590.
  • British Library C.38.d.25

Henry VI, Part 3

Source

• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447
• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

Possible 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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Henry VIII

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
  • British Library 4824.k.3.
  • Huntington Library 59843
  • John Foxe's The Acts and Monuments Online

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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.
  • Boston Public Library G.3975.46
    • Images of BPL G.3975.46

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.
  • Folger STC 20065
    • Selected images of Folger STC 20065
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

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
  • British Library C.34.b.7.
  • Huntington Library 12600
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, 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
  • British Library C.13.a.4
  • Huntington Library 60072
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PForz 8 PFZ

• Pescetti, Orlando. Il Cesare, tragedia. Verona: Nella stamperia di Girolamo Discepolo, 1594.
  • British Library 1071.m.1.(4.).
  • Huntington Library 215047
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, *IC6 P4365 594c

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 20470 pt. 1
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, (2 copies)
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, DG 207 T3 G7 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].
  • Folger STC 7635
  • British Library G.735.
  • Huntington Library 59208
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 354 PFZ

• 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
  • Huntington Library 30044
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, 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)
  • Huntington Library 60051
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 737 PFZ
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 13445

• 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)
  • British Library 587.h.4.
  • Huntington Library 69240
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 21625
  • Boston Public Library G.404.44

• 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)
  • British Library 10605.g.21.(1.)
    • Images from BL 0605.g.21.(1.)
  • Huntington Library 21553
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, DG 277 S7 H6 1606
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 23422

• 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.
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library OLC.V545.571
• --. 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)
  • British Library 9040.a.31.
    • Images of BL 9040.a.31.
  • Huntington Library 69746
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 24633

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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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
  • British Library 4824.k.3.
  • Huntington Library 59843
  • 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447

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
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 62201

• Harsnett, Samuel. A declaration of egregious popish impostures. London: James Roberts, 1603.
  • Folger STC 12880 (3 copies)
  • Huntington Library 60426
  • BX 2340 H377 1603
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library STC 12880
  • Boston Public Library G.4072.21
    • Images of BPL G.4072.21

• 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.
  • British Library (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 60049
  • Huntington Library 60055
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 735 PFZ

• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 69442
  • Huntington Library 69441
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PR 2342 A5 1590
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 938 PFZ
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 22539

• 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
  • Huntington Library 56742
  • Huntington Library 56741
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PR 2358 A1 1590
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 969 PFZ
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Wg Sp35 590faa WRE
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, HEW 6.9.32

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
  • Huntington Library 600240
  • Huntington Library 97068
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 124 PFZ
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, (2 copies)

• --. [Later edition] 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
    • Images of British Library 1608/4651

• Geoffrey of Monmouth, Pontici Virvnnii viri doctissimi Britannicæ historiæ libri sex, magna et fide et diligentia conscripti: ad Britannici codicis fidem correcti, & ab infinitis mendis liberati: quibus præfixus est catalogus regum Britanniæ: per Dauidem Pouelum, S. Theolog. professorem.Londini : apud Edmundum Bollifantum, impensis Henrici Denhami & Radulphi Nuberij, 1585.
  • British library (3 copies)

• 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.
  • British Library (5 copies)
  • Harvard University, Houghton library (2 copies)

• Warner, William. The first and second parts of Albions England. London: By Thomas Orwin, for Thomas Cadman, 1589.
  • Folger STC 25080 (2 copies)
  • British Library C.39.c.33.
  • Huntington Library 79597
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library STC 25080

Similar contemporary narratives None yet identified

Love's Labor's Lost

Source

None yet identified.

Possible source

None yet identified.

Similar contemporary narratives

• La Primaudaye, Pierre de. The French academie : wherin is discoursed the institution of maners, and whatsoeuer els concerneth the good and happie life of all estates and callings, by preceptes of doctrine, and examples of the liues of ancient sages and famous men. Trans. Thomas Bowes. London: By Edmund Bollifant for G. Bishop and Ralph Newbery, 1586.
  • Folger STC 15233 (6 copies)
  • British Library 8406.ee.25.
    • Images for British Library 8406.ee.25.
  • Huntington Library 62176
  • Boston Public Library G.4075.4
    • images of BPL G.4075.4

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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

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
  • British Library 288.d.2.
  • Huntington Library, 28774
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, Br 8185.78*
  • Boston Public Library G.404.95

• 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].
  • Folger STC 22224
  • British Library C.34.a.9.(3.)
  • Huntington Library 12111
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 862 PFZ

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.
  • Folger STC 13859 (3 copies)
  • British Library 718.i.13.
  • Huntington Library 61605

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 79629
  • Huntington Library 79627

Measure for Measure

Source

• Giraldi, Giambattista Cinzio. Epitia, Tragedia. Venetia: 1583.
  • British Library 1071.k.12.(4.)
    • Images for BL 107.k.12.(4.)
  • Huntington Library 114684 ANAL
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, BLOM 230
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, (2 copies)
  • Getty library PQ4624 .E76 1583
    • Images of Getty PQ4624 .E76 1583

• --. De gli hecatommithi. Nel Monte Regale: Appresso Lionardo Torrentino, 1565.
  • Folger PQ4624 .H4 1565 Cage
  • (4 copies)
  • Huntington Library 82606 v.1 and v.2
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, 853 G441h
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library (2 copies)
  • Boston Public Library G.4074.4 v.1 and v.2

• Whetstone, George. The right excellent and famous historye, of Promos and Cassandra. [Imprinted at London] : [By [John Charlewood for] Richarde Ihones, and are to be solde ouer agaynst Saint Sepulchres Church, without Newgate, August. 20. 1578].
  • Folger STC 25347 (2 copies)
    • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 25347 copy 1
  • Huntington Library 151749

Possible source

None yet identified.

Similar contemporary narratives

• Lupton, Thomas. The second part and knitting vp of the boke entituled Too good to be true. London: Henry Binneman, 1581.
  • Folger STC 16954.5 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 34012

• Riche, Barnabe. The adventures of Brusanus Prince of Hungaria. London: for John Oxenbridge, 1592.
  • Senate House Library, University of London

The Merchant of Venice

Source

• Marlowe, Christopher. The Famous TRAGEDY OF THE RICH IEVV OF MALTA. London: by I. B. for Nicholas Vavasour, and are to be sold at his Shop in the Inner-Temple, neere the Church. 1633.
  • Folger Shakespeare Library STC 17412 (3 copies)
    • cover-to-cover images of Folger STC 17412 copy 1
    • Full transcription, A Digital Anthology of Early Modern English Drama
  • British Library (3 copies)
    • cover-to-cover images of BL 6444.3.70
  • Huntington Library 62508
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 642 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 642 PFZ
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Wg M344 633f WRE
    • Images of HRC Wg M344 633f WRE
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PR 2666 A1 1633
    • Images of HRC PR 2666 A1 1633
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 17412

Possible source

• Anon. Here after follows the hystorye of Gesta Romanorum. London: J. Kynge, M.D.L.VII. [1557].
  • Bodleian Library
• Giovanni, Fiorentino. Il Pecorone / di ser Giouanni Fiorentino ; nel quale si contengono cinq uanta nouelle antiche, belle d’inuentione et di stile. Vinegia: Appresso Domenico Farri, 1565.
  • Folger PQ4472 .G2 1565 Cage
• Munday, Anthony. Zelauto. The fountaine of fame. Erected in an orcharde of amorous aduentures. Containing a delicate disputation, gallantly discoursed betweene to noble gentlemen of Italye. Giuen for a freendly entertainment to Euphues, at his late ariuall into England. By A.M. seruaunt to the Right Honourable the Earle of Oxenford. London: John Charlewood, 1580.
  • Bodleian Library

Similar contemporary narratives

• 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)
  • Huntington Library 61194
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- PFORZ 422 PFZ
  • Boston Public Library G.4071.6
    • Images of BPL G.4071.6

• 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)
  • British Library (3 copies)
  • Huntington Library 95910
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 120 PFZ

• Wilson, Robert. A right excellent and famous comedy, called The three ladies of London. : VVherein is notablie declared and set forth, how by the meanes of lucar, loue and conscience is so corrupted, that the one is married to dissimulation, the other fraught with all abhomination. A perfect patterne for all estates to looke into, and a worke right worthie to be marked. Written by R.W. as it hath been publiquely plaied. London: Printed by Iohn Danter, dwelling in Ducke Lane, neere Smithfield, 1592.
  • Folger STC 25785 (2 copies)
    • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 25785 copy 1
  • Huntington Library 79736
  • Huntington Library 79736
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 1076 PFZ
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 25785

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Source

Possible source

• 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)
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 23686

• Lyly, John. Endimion the Man in the Moone. 1591.
  • British Library C.34.d.9.
  • Huntington Library 62388

• 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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956

• [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

• Riche, Barnabe. Riche his farewell to militarie profession. London: [John Kingston for] Robert Walley, 1581.
  • Bodleian Library Tanner 213(1)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Giovanni, Fiorentino. Il Pecorone / di ser Giouanni Fiorentino ; nel quale si contengono cinq uanta nouelle antiche, belle d’inuentione et di stile. Vinegia: Appresso Domenico Farri, 1565.
  • Folger PQ4472 .G2 1565 Cage

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956
• [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

Possible source

• Apuleius. The xi. bookes of the Golden asse. : containing the metamorphosie of Lucius Apuleius, enterlaced with sundrie pleasant and delectable tales, with an excellent narration of the marriage of Cupid and Psyches, set out in the iiij. v. and vi. bookes. Translated out of Latine into English by William Adlington. London: [T. East] for Abraham Veale, 1582.
  • Folger STC 719a
• Bourchier, John, Lord Berners. The ancient, honorable, famous, and delighfull historie of Huon of Bourdeaux, one of the peeres of Fraunce, and Duke of Guyenne. Enterlaced with the loue of many ladies, as also the fortunes and aduentures of knights errant, their amorous seruants. London : Printed by Thomas Purfoot, and are to be sould by Edward White, at his shop at the little north dore of Poules at the signe of the Gunne, 1601.
  • Huntington Library 53685

• Chaucer, Geoffrey. "The Knight's Tale," in The Canterbury tales, part of The workes of our antient and learned English poet, Geffrey Chaucer. London : Printed by Adam Islip, at the charges of Bonham Norton, Anno 1598.
  • Folger STC 5078 (3 copies)
• Robinson, Clement. [A handefull of pleasant delites]. [London: Printed by W. How? for R. Jones, ca. 1575].
  • Huntington Library 61721
• Scot, Reginald. The discouerie of witchcraft. [London] : [By [Henry Denham for] William Brome], 1584.
  • Folger STC 21864 (3 copies)
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 21864 copy 1
• 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
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. A COLLECTION of Epigrams, Epitaphs, Elegies, and other small poems, in English and Latin , intitled " Juvenilia Ludicra," of the time of James I. and Charles I., and chiefly by Cambridge... 1623-1630. British Library Add MS 15227.
  • British Library Add MS 15227
• Cooper, Thomas. Thesaurus linguae Romanae & Britannicae : tam accurate congestus, vt nihil penè in eo desyderari possit, quod vel Latinè complectatur amplissimus Stephani Thesaurus, vel Anglicè, toties aucta Eliotae Bibliotheca: opera & industria Thomae Cooperi Magdalenensis. ... Accessit dictionarium historicum et poëticum propria vocabula virorum, mulierum, sectarum, populorum, vrbium, montium, & caeterorum locorum complectens, & in his iucundissimas & omnium cognitione dignissimas historias. London: [By Henry Denham], 1573.
  • Folger STC 5687 (2 copies)

Much Ado About Nothing

Source

Possible source

• Ariosto, Lodovico. Orlando furioso. Trans. John Harrington. London: [By Richard Field dwelling in the Black-friers by Ludgate], [1591].
  • Folger STC 746 (6 copies)
• Bandello, Matteo. La Prima parte de le nouelle del Bandello. Venetia: C. Franceschini, 1566.
  • British Library 1074.g.17.
• Spenser, Edmund. The faerie queene. London : Printed [by John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, 1590.
  • Folger STC 23080 copy 1
• ---. The faerie queene. London : Printed for VVilliam Ponsonbie, 1596.
  • Folger STC 23082 (6 copies)
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 23082 copy 1

Similar contemporary narratives

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

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].
  • Folger STC 12144 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 61194
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- PFORZ 422 PFZ
  • Boston Public Library G.4071.6
    • Images of BPL G.4071.6
• 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.

Possible source

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.

Richard II

Source

• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447
• 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]].
  • Folger STC 13569 (6 copies)
    • Selected images for STC 13569 copy 3
  • British Library (7 copies)
  • Huntington Library 478000:B v. 1-3
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, -q- DA 130 H732 1587
  • Boston Public library (4 copies)
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.1 and v.2
    • Images of BPL G.3730.3 FOLIO v.3
  • The Holinshed Project: Parallel texts of the 1577 and 1587 editions.

Possible 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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ
• 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)
  • British library C.34.h.4.
  • Huntington Library 60931
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, Wg D226 595faa WRE
  • Boston Public Library G.4073.22
    • Images of BPL G.4073.22
• Froissart, Jean. Here begynneth the first volum of sir Iohan Froyssart : of the cronycles of Englande, Fraunce, Spayne, Portyngale, Scotlande, Bretayne, Flau[n]ders: and other places adioynynge. Tra[n]slated out of frenche into our maternall englysshe tonge, by Iohan Bourchier knight lorde Berners: at the co[m]maundement of oure moost highe redouted souerayne lorde kyng Henry the. viii. kyng of Englande and of Fraunce, [and] highe defender of the christen faythe. [et]c. [Imprinted at London] : [In Fletestrete by Richarde Pynson, printer to the kynges noble grace], [And ended the. xxviii. day of Ianuary: the yere of our lorde. M.D.xxiii. [1523]].
  • STC 11396 Vol. 1

Similar contemporary narratives

Richard III

Source

• Anon. The first part of Richard II, or Thomas Of Woodstock in ENGLISH plays, in different hands British Library Egerton MS 1994.
  • British Library Egerton MS 1994.
• 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)
  • British Library G.6003.
  • Huntington Library 61300
  • Houghton Library, Harvard, Typ 505.48.447

Possible source

• Anon. The true tragedie of Richard the third: wherein is showne the death of Edward the fourth, with the smothering of the two yoong princes in the Tower: with a lamentable ende of Shores wife, an example for all wicked women. And lastly, the coniunction and ioyning of the two noble houses, Lancaster and Yorke. As it was playd by the Queenes Maiesties Players. London: Thomas Creede, and are to be sold by William Barley, 1594.
  • 69129
• 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)
  • Huntington Library 60324
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 730 PFZ
    • Images of HRC PFORZ 730 PFZ
• Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. Lucii Annei Senecæ Tragedia prima quæ inscribitur Hercules Furens nuper recognita ... & in studiosæ iuuentutis vtilitatẽ in Anglicum metrum ... conversa ... per I. Heyvvodum Oxoniensem. The first Tragedie of Lucius Anneus Seneca, intituled Hercules furens, newly perused and ... so faithfully translated into English metre, that ye may se verse for verse turned as farre as the phrase of the English permitteth. By Jasper Heywood, Studient in Oxford. Trans. Jasper Heywood. London: Henry Sutton, 1561.
  • British Library C.34.a.8.(1).

Similar contemporary narratives

• Legge, Thomas. Richardus tertius. Manuscript, ca. 1620.
  • Folger V.a.310, leaves 1-53.

Romeo and Juliet

Source

• Bandello, Matteo. The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Iuliet, written first in Italian by Bandell, and nowe in Englishe by Ar. Br. Trans. Arthur Brooke. London : Richard Tottill, 1562.
  • British Library Huth.34.

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

The Taming of the Shrew

Source

• Anon. A Pleasant Conceited Historie, called The taming of a Shrew. London: by Peter Short and are to be sold by Cutbert Burbie, at his shop at the Royall Exchange. 1594.
  • Huntington Library 69594
  • Full text transcription in The Digital Anthology of Early Modern English Drama
• Gascoigne, George. "Supposes," in A hundreth sundrie flowres bounde vp in one small poesie. : Gathered partely (by translation) in the fyne outlandish gardins of Euripides, Ouid, Petrarke, Ariosto, and others: and partly by inuention, out of our owne fruitefull orchardes in Englande: yelding sundrie svveete sauours of tragical, comical, and morall discourses. London: [by Henrie Bynneman and Henry Middleton] for Richarde Smith, [1573].
  • Flger STC 11635 (4 copies).

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

• Goulart, Simon. Admirable and memorable histories containing the wonders of our time. Collected into French out of the best authors. By I. [sic] Goulart. And out of French into English. By Ed. Grimeston. London: George Eld, 1607.
  • Folger STC 12135 (5 copies)

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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956

• [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

• 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.
  • Folger STC 20509 (2 copies, 4 volumes each)

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.
  • Folger STC 24833
• --. A true and sincere declaration of the purpose and ends of the plantation begun in Virginia. London: Printed for I. Stepneth, 1610.
  • British Library C.32.d.13.
• Jonson, Ben. Hymenaei: or The solemnities of masque, and barriers. London: Valentine Simmes for Thomas Thorpe, 1606.
  • Folger STC 14744
• Erasmus, Desiderius. Seven dialogues both pithie and profitable. : The 1 is of the right vse of things indifferent. 2 sheweth what comfort poperie affordeth in time of daunger. 3 is betweene a good woman and a shrew. 4 is of the conversion of a harlot. 5 is of putting forth children to nurse. 6 is of a popish pilgrimage. 7 is of a popish funerall. By W.B. London: [by Valentine Simmes] for Nicholas Ling, 1606.
  • Folger STC 10457

Similar contemporary narratives

• 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.
  • British Library 643.c.31.
  • Full images of BL 643.c.31
• 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].
  • British Library C.56.d.15.
• --. The third part of the first booke, of the Mirrour of knighthood. London: By Thomas East, [1586?].
  • Folger STC 18864

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
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956

• [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
  • British Library C.38.k.24.
  • Huntington Library 62967

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. Engelische Comedien vnd Tragedien, das ist, Sehr schöne herrliche und ausserlesene, geist- vnd weltliche Comedi vnd Tragedi Spiel : sampt dem Pickelhering : welche wegen ihrer artigen Inventionen, kurtzweilige[n] auch theils warhafftige[n] Geschicht halber, vo[n] den Englländern in Deutschland, an Königlichen Chur- vnd Fürstlichen Höfen, auch in vornehmen Reichs- See- vnd HandelStädten seynd agiret vnd gehalten worden, vnd zuvor nie im Druckt aussgangen ... allen der Comedi vnd Tragedi liebhabern, und andern zu lieb vnd gefallen, dergestalt in offenen Druckt gegeben, dass sie gar leicht darauss, Spielweiss widerumb angerichtet, und zur ergetzligkeit und Erquickung des Gemüths gehalten werden können. Leipzig: [Gottfried Grosse], gedruckt im Jahr MDCXXIV [1624].
  • Folger PR1246.G5 E59 Cage (imperfect)
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library PR1246.G5 E59 Cage
• 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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956
• [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.

Twelfth Night

Source

• Riche, Barnabe. Riche his farewell to militarie profession. London: [John Kingston for] Robert Walley, 1581.
  • Bodleian Library

Possible source

• Accademia degli Intronati (SIENA). Comedia del Sacrificio degli Intronati celebrato nei giuochi dun carnouale in Siena. [C. T. de' Navò] : Vinegia, 1543.
  • British Library (2 copies)
• Forde, Emanuel. Parismus, the Renowned Prince of Bohemia. 2 parts. London, 1598, 1599.
  • British Library 92.b.5.(1-2)

Similar contemporary narratives

• Secchi, Niccolò. Gl'Inganni, comedia. Venetia, 1566.
  • cover-to-cover images of BL 1071.i.7.(3.)
• --. L’interesse : comedia. Venetia: Appresso Francesco Ziletti, 1581.
  • PQ4634.S3 I7 1581 Cage

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Source

• Montemayor, Jorge de. Diana of George of Montemayor: translated out of Spanish into English by Bartholomew Yong of the Middle Temple Gentleman. London: Edm. Bollifant, impensis G[eorge]. B[ishop], 1598.
  • Folger STC 18055 (4 copies)

Possible source

• 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
  • British Library G.735.
  • Huntington Library 59208
  • University of Texas at Austin, Harry Ransom Center, PFORZ 354 PFZ

Similar contemporary narratives

• Anon. Engelische Comedien vnd Tragedien, das ist, Sehr schöne herrliche und ausserlesene, geist- vnd weltliche Comedi vnd Tragedi Spiel : sampt dem Pickelhering : welche wegen ihrer artigen Inventionen, kurtzweilige[n] auch theils warhafftige[n] Geschicht halber, vo[n] den Englländern in Deutschland, an Königlichen Chur- vnd Fürstlichen Höfen, auch in vornehmen Reichs- See- vnd HandelStädten seynd agiret vnd gehalten worden, vnd zuvor nie im Druckt aussgangen ... allen der Comedi vnd Tragedi liebhabern, und andern zu lieb vnd gefallen, dergestalt in offenen Druckt gegeben, dass sie gar leicht darauss, Spielweiss widerumb angerichtet, und zur ergetzligkeit und Erquickung des Gemüths gehalten werden können. Leipzig: [Gottfried Grosse], gedruckt im Jahr MDCXXIV [1624].
  • Folger PR1246.G5 E59 Cage (imperfect)
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library PR1246.G5 E59 Cage

• Lyly, John. Euphues. The anatomy of vvit : Very pleasant for all gentlemen to reade, and most necessary to remember. wherein are conteined the delightes that wit followeth in his youth, by the pleasantnesse of loue, and the happinesse he reapeth in age, by the perfectnesse of wisedome. By Iohn Lylly Master of Art. London: [By Thomas East] for Gabriel Cawood, dvvelling in Paules Church-yard, [1579].
  • Folger STC 17053
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 17053
• Scala, Flaminio. Il teatro delle fauole rappresentatiue, ouero, La ricreatione comica, boscareccia, e tragica : diuisa in cinquanta giornate / composte da Flaminio Scala detto Flauio comico del sereniss. sig. duca di Mantoua ; all’ill sig. conte Ferdinando Riario marchese di Castiglione di Vald’Orca, & senatore in Bologna. Venetia: Appresso Gio. Battista Pulciani, MDCXI [1611].
  • Folger 229- 940q
• 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)

The Two Noble Kinsmen

Source

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

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

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].
  • Folger STC 18956 (2 copies)
  • Huntington Library 49035
  • Harvard University, Houghton Library, STC 18956

• [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

• 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.
  • 95.b.18.(4.)
• --. Pandosto : the triumph of time. London: [by R. Field] for I. B[rome], 1592.
  • Folger STC STC 12286
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 12286
• --. 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.
  • Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas, Pforz 435 PFZ

Possible source

• 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.
  • Full images of BL 643.c.31
  • BL 643.c.31. via Google Books
• Day, John. Humour out of Breath. London [By Richard Bradock] for John Helmes, 1608.
  • Folger STC 6411
  • Selected image(s) of Folger Shakespeare Library STC 6411
  • Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin, cover-to-cover images of Pforz 268 PFZ
• Sabie, Francis. The fissher-mans tale: of the famous actes, life and loue of Cassander a Grecian knight. Written by Francis Sabie. London: Richard Jones, 1595.
  • British Library C.40.e.68.(2.)
• --. Flora’s Fortune. The second part and finishing of the Fisher-mans Tale. Containing, The strange accidentes which chaunced to Flora, and her supposed father Thirsis: also the happie meeting with her desired Cassander ... By F. S. [i.e. Francis Sabie.] London: Richard Jones, 1595.
  • British Library C.40.e.68.(3.)
• Silva, Feliciano de. Le neufiesme livre d'Amadis de Gaule, auquel sont contenuz les gestes de dom Florisel de Niquée... filz d'Amadis de Grece... mis d'Espagnol en françoys par Gilles B. de Buillon,.... Paris: Pour Vincent Sertenas, 1551.
  • BNF Arsenal-magasin de la Réserve Fol-BL-958 (4,1)
  • Full images of BNF Fol-BL-958 (4,1)

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.
  • Folger STC 24935a
• 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)
  • British Library 92.b.6.(1-2.)
• -- 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.
  • Folger STC 11171.2
• 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)

Sources:

Hamnet and the expertise of Folger cataloguers

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