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

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Antony and Cleopatra

Source

Possible source

  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • 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.

As You Like It

Source

Possible source

None yet identified

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None yet identified

The Comedy of Errors

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Possible source

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None yet identified

Coriolanus

Source

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?].

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Cymbeline

Source

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.

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.

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.

Possible source

  • Anon. A vvarning for faire vvomen. : Containing, the most tragicall and lamentable murther of Master George Sanders of London marchant, nigh Shooters hill. Consented vnto by his owne wife, acted by M. Browne, Mistris Drewry and Trusty Roger agents therin: with their seuerall ends. As it hath beene lately diuerse times acted by the right Honorable, the Lord Chamberlaine his Seruantes. London: By Valentine Sims for William Aspley, 1599.
  • Giovio, Paolo. Pauli Iouii Nouocomensis Episcopi Nucerini Elogia virorum bellica virtute illustrium : septem libris iam olim ab authore comprehensa : et nunc ex eiusdem musaeo ad viuum expressis imaginibus exornata. Basileae : Petri Pernae typographi Basil. opera ac studio, 1575.
  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • The St. Alban's Chronicle, 1406- 1420. Bodley MS. 462
  • G., I. Henrici Scotorum Regis Manes Ad Jacobum VIum Filium, Composed March 1587.

Henry IV, Part 1

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Possible source

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  • 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?].

Henry IV, Part 2

Source

Possible 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.
  • Stow, John. The chronicles of England : from Brute vnto this present yeare of Christ. 1580. Collected by Iohn Stow citizen of London. London: By [Henry Bynneman for] Ralphe Newberie, at the assignement of Henrie Bynneman, [1580].

Similar contemporary narratives

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

Henry V

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.
  • [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.

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

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.

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.

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

  • 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.

Henry VI, Part 3

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Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Henry VIII

Source

Possible source

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

Similar contemporary narratives

Julius Caesar

Source

Possible source

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.

King John

Source

Possible 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • Bale, John. King Johan. Manuscript.

King Lear

Source

Possible source

  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives None yet identified

Love's Labor's Lost

Source

None yet identified.

Possible source

None yet identified.

Similar contemporary narratives

Macbeth

Source

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.

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.


Measure for Measure

Source

Possible source

None yet identified.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • 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

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.
  • 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

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Source

Possible source

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.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Source

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.
  • 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.
  • Robinson, Clement. [A handefull of pleasant delites]. [London: Printed by W. How? for R. Jones, ca. 1575].

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.
  • 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.

Much Ado About Nothing

Source

None yet identified.

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified.

Othello

Source

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

Possible source

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

Pericles

Source

  • 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?]

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

  • Wilkins, George. The Painfull adventures of Pericles, Prince of Tyre. Being the true History of the Play of Pericles [by William Shakespeare] as it was lately presented by the worthy and ancient Poet Iohn Gower. London: by T. P. for Nathaniel Butter, 1608.

Richard II

Source

Possible source

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None yet identified

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.
  • 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.

Possible source

  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

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.

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

None yet identified

The Taming of the Shrew

Source

Possible source

None yet identified

Similar contemporary narratives

The Tempest

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Possible source

  • 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.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • 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].

Timon of Athens

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Possible source

Lyly, John. A moste excellent comedie of Alexander, Campaspe, and Diogenes. London: [By Thomas Dawson] for Thomas Cadman, 1584.

Similar contemporary narratives

  • Anon. Timon. (After 1601). Victoria and Albert Museum, Dyce MSS 52.
  • Boaistuau, Pierre. Theatrum mundi : the theatre or rule of the world, wherein may be sene the running race and course of euerye mans life, as touching miserie and felicity, wherin is contained wonderfull examples, learned deuises, to the ouerthrowe of vice, and exalting of vertue. wherevnto is added a learned, and maruellous worke of the excellencie of mankinde. Written in the Frenche & Latin tongues by Peter Boaystuau, and translated into English by Iohn Alday. London: H. D[enham] for Thomas Hacket, [1566?].
  • Boiardo, Matteo Maria. Timone : comedia / del magnifico conte Matheo Maria Boyardo conte de Scandiano ; traducta de uno dialogo de Luciano a copiace[n]tia de lo illustrissimo pri[n]cipe signore Hercule Este[n]se duca de Ferrara &c. Venetia : Per Zuane Tacuino de Cereto da Trin, del MDXVII, adi XX de setembrio [20 September 1517].

Titus Andronicus

Source

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?].

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].
  • Anon. A Lamentable BALLAD of the Tragical End / OF A / Gallant LORD and Vertuous LADY: / Together with the untimely Death of their Two CHILDREN; wickedly performed by a Heathenish / and Blood-thirsty Black a-Moor, their Servant; the like of which Cruelty and Murder was never before / heard of. London: Printed and sold in Bow Church-Yard: Where Chap- / men, Travellers, &c. may be furnish'd with the best Sorts / of Old and New Ballads, Broadsheets, Histories, &c. with / finer Cuts, much better printed, and cheaper than in any / other Place in England.

Troilus and Cressida

Source

Possible source

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

Similar contemporary narratives

Twelfth Night

Source

Possible source

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

Similar contemporary narratives

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

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Possible source

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].
  • 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].
  • 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].

The Two Noble Kinsmen

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Possible source

None yet identified.

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None yet identified.

The Winter's Tale

Source

  • 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.
  • --. 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.

Possible source

  • --. 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.

Similar contemporary narratives


Sources:

Hamnet and the expertise of Folger cataloguers

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