Better Gutenberg
Free, beautifully formatted public-domain ebooks

A Chronicle History of Shakespeare

by Frederick Gard Fleay

11 of 12 · Contents · Download EPUB

Tables

Table I — Quarto Editions of Shakespeare’s Plays

Date, S. R.For whom Entered, S. R.Name of Play.Printer and Publisher of Earliest Edition Extant.Dates of Extant Editions.
1593-4Feb. 6John DanterTitus AndronicusaBy J. R. for Edward White...1600A.......1611A....
1593-4Mar. 12Thomas MyllingtonYork and Lancaster, I.bBy Thomas Creede for Thomas Millington1594A.1600A..........1619A.
......Richard Duke of YorkcBy P.S. for Thomas Millington1595A.1600A..........
1595Dec. 1Cuthbert BurbyEdward III.d... for Cuthbert Burby1596A.1599A....1609A.1617A.1625A.
......Romeo and Juliet (1)eBy John Danter1597A................
1597Aug. 29Andrew WiseRichard II.fBy Valentine Simmes for Andrew Wise1597A.1598...16081615F....
1597Oct. 20Andrew WiseRichard III.gBy Valentine Sims for Andrew Wise1597A.15981602160516121622
1597-8Feb. 25Andrew Wise1 Henry IV.hBy P.S. for Andrew Wise15981599160416081615F.1622
1598July 22James RobertsMerchant of Venice.iBy J. Roberts...1600............
......Love’s Labour’s LostjBy W. W. for Cuthbert Burby1598...............
......Romeo and Juliet (2)kBy Thomas Creede for Cuthbert Burby...1599A....1609A.F.......
1600Aug. 4...As You Like Itl“Stayed” with the two following plays. Not printed...................
1600Aug. 14“Set over” to Thomas PavierHenry V.mBy T. Creede for T. Millington and J. Busby...1600A.1602A.1608A.......
1600Aug. 23Andrew Wise and William AspleyMuch Ado about NothingnBy V. S. for Andrew Wise and William Aspley...1600F.............
2 Henry IV....1600............
1600Oct. 8Thomas FisherMidsummer Night’s Dreamo... for Thomas Fisher...1600............
By James Roberts...1600F.............
1600Oct. 28Thomas HaiesMerchant of VenicepBy J. R. for Thomas Hayes...1600F.............
1601-2Jan. 18John Busby (with assignment to Arthur Johnson)Merry Wives of WindsorqBy T. C. for Arthur Johnson...1602.........1619
1602April 19Thomas Pavier1, 2 Henry VI. and Titus AndronicusrBy assignment from Thomas Millington..................
1602July 26James RobertsRevenge of Hamlet (1)s... for N. L. and John Trundell...1603............
......Hamlet (2)tBy J. R. for N. L.......160416051611...
1602-3Feb. 7James RobertsTroylus and Cressidau“To print when he hath gotten sufficient authority for it.” Not printed...................
1607Nov. 26Na. Butter: Jo. BusbyKing Learv... for Nathaniel Butter.........1608 bis......
1608May 20Edward BlountPericleswNot printed...................
Anthony and Cleopatra
1608-9Jan. 28Ri. Bonion; Hen. WhalleyTroylus and CressidaxBy G. Eld for R. Bonion and H. Whalley.........1609 bis......
......Periclesy... for Henry Gosson.........1609 bis16111619
1621Oct. 6Thomas WalkleyOthellozBy N. O. for Thomas Walkley...............1622

Table II — Quarto Editions of Other Plays Performed by Shakespeare’s Company

Date.For whom Entered.Name of Play.Extant Editions.
1593-4Jan. 7R. JonesA Knack to Know a Knave1594
[1594July 20T. CreedeLocrine1595]
1595Dec. 1C. BurbyEdward III.1596, 1599, 1609, 1617, 1625
...W. JonesMucedorus1598, 1606, 1610, 1613, 1615, 1619, 1629, 1634, 1639, &c.
1599Nov. 17W. AspleyWarning for Fair Women1599
1600April 8W. HolmeEvery Man out of his Humour1600 (printed for N. Ling)
1600May 27J. RobertsCloth Breeches and Velvet HoseThese plays were stayed, sufficient authority for their printing not being forthcoming
1600May 29J. RobertsAlarum to London
1601Aug. 14C. Burby and W. BurreEvery Man in his Humour1601
...E. WhiteMassacre of Parisn.d.
1600Nov. 11J. BarnesSatiromastix1602
...W. FerbrandAlarum for London1602
1602Aug. 11W. CottonLord Cromwell1602, 1613
1604July 2 & 5W. Aspley and T. ThorpeMalcontent1604
1604Nov. 2E. BluntSejanus1605
...N. ButterLondon Prodigal1605
1607July 31G. VincentMiseries of Enforced Marriage1607, 1611, 1629, 1637
1607Oct. 7G. EldeRevenger’s Tragedy1607
1607Oct. 22A. JohnsonMerry Devil of Edmonton1608, 1617, 1626
......Volpone, or the Fox1607
1608May 2T. PavierYorkshire Tragedy1608, 1619
...J. WrightFair Em1631

Table III — Number of Performances at Court, 1584-1616

I.II.III.IV.V.
1584-5Leicester’s0Admiral’s0Queen’s5Oxford’s1Paul’s0Total6
1585-6011002
1586-7Plague Year0
1587-8003014
1588-9022037
1589-90Strange’s022Pembroke’s037
1590-102507
1591-26Hertford’s110Sussex’19
1592-33......25
1593-4Plague Year0
1594-5Chamberlain’s2Admiral’s00...2
1595-650Total190...5
1596-7600...6
1597-842......6
1598-930...Total3...3
1599-0032Derby’s1...6
1600-1330Chapel1Paul’s18
1601-2Richard II. played for Essex faction.0
1602-323Worcester’s0005
1603-4King’s9P. Henry’s4Q. Anne’s2I Revels1016
1604-54812015
1605-610610219
1606-71260018
1607-813400Total1017
1608-91230015
1609-10Plague YearD. of York’s11
1610-115432 Revels0325
1611-222441 L. Eliz.1435
1612-328102 Revels3236
............2 L. Eliz.2......
1613-47Palsgrave’s022P. Charles’011
1614-5000101
1615-6000000
Totals16958141310297

Table IV — Entries of Plays in the Stationers’ Registers, 1584-1640

Date.For whom Entered.Name of Play.
1584April 6Thomas CadmanSappio by Lyllye: “if he get ye comedy lawfully allowed to him.”
Nov. 12Thomas HackettFedele et Fortuna. The deceits in love discoursed in a Commedia of il Italian gent, and translated into English.
1585April 1Gabriel CawoodTityrus and Galaten. A Comedy.
1588Oct. 28Richard JonesPageant before Martin Calthrop, L. Mayor, 29th Oct. 1588, by G. Peele. “Upon condition that it may be licensed.”
1590July 31Richard JonesA comedy of the pleasant and stately moral of the three Lords of London.
Aug. 14Richard JonesThe two comical discourses of “Tomberlein the Cithian shepparde.”
1591July 26Richard JonesThe Hunting of Cupid, by G. Peele, M.A. of Oxford. “Provided always that, if it be hurtful to any other copy before licensed, then this to be void.”
Oct. 4Mrs. Broome, widow of William BroomeEndimion, Galathea, Midas: three comedies played before her Majesty by the children of Paul’s.
1592April 3Edward WhiteThe tragedy of “Arden of Faversham and Blackwall.”
Oct. 6Abel JeffesThe Spanish Tragedy of “Don Horatio and Bellmipeia.”
Nov. 20Edward WhiteThe tragedy of “Salamon and Perceda.”
1593July 6William JonesThe troublesome reign and lamentable death of Edward II. King of England, with the tragical fall of proud Mortimer.
1593Oct. 8Abel JeffesThe Chronicle of K. Edward I. Longshank, with his return out of the Holy Land: with the life of “Leublen,” rebel in Wales, with the sinking of Queen Elinour. An enterlude.
Oct. 19Symond WatersonThe tragedy of Cleopatra.
Oct. 23John DanterThe life and death of Jack Straw. An enterlude.
Dec. 7John DanterThe history of Orlando Furioso, one of the 12 peers of France. A playbook.
1593-4Jan. 7Richard JonesA Knack to Know a Knave, newly set forth as it hath sundry times been played by Ned Allen and his company, with Kempe’s applauded merriments of the men of Goteham. A comedy.
Jan. 26Nicholas Ling and John BusbyeCornelia: Thomas Kydd being the author.
Feb. 6John DanterA noble Roman history of Tytus Andronicus.
Mar. 5Thomas CreedeThe looking glass for London, by Thomas Lodg and Robert Greene, gent.
Mar. 12Thomas MyllingtonThe first part of the Contention of the two famous houses of York and Lancaster, with the death of the Duke of Suffolk, and the tragical end of the proud Cardinal of Winchester, with the notable rebellion of Jack Cade and the Duke of York’s first claim unto the crown.
1594May 2Peter ShorteA pleasant conceited history called the “Tayming of a Shrowe.”
May 13Thomas CreedeThe Pedlar’s Prophesy. “A pleabook.”
May 14Thomas CreedeThe Famous Victories of Henry V., containing the honourable battle of Agincourt.
May 14Thomas CreedeThe Scottish story of James IV., slain at Flodden, intermixt with a pleasant comedy presented by Oboron King of Fairies.
1594May 14Edward White [previously entered to Adam Islip, whose name is crossed out]The History of Friar Bacon and Friar Boungaye.
The most famous Chronicle History of Leire King of England and his three daughters.
The famous history of John of Gaunte, son to King Edward III., with his Conquest of Spain and marriage of his two daughters to the Kings of Castile and Portugale, &c.
The Book of David and Bethshaba.
A Pastoral pleasant comedy of Robin Hood and Little John.
May 17Thomas GossonThe Famous Chronicle of Henry I., with the life and death of Bellin Dunn, the first thief that ever was hanged in England.
May 17Thomas MillingtonThe famous tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta.
May 24John DanterThe wounds of Civil War lively set forth in the True Tragedies of Marius and Scilla.
May 28Cuthbert Burbye, by consent of John DanterThe history of Orlando Furioso, “So often as the same book shall be printed, the said John Danter to have the imprinting thereof.”
June 8Cuthbert BurbeyThe Cobbler’s Prophesy.
June 18Cuthbert BurbyMother Bumbye. An enterlude.
June 19John DanterGodfrey of Bulloigne, with the Conquest of Jerusalem. An enterlude.
June 19John DanterThe life and death of Heliogabilus. An enterlude.
June 19Thomas CreedeThe tragedy of Richard III., wherein is shown the death of Edward IV., with the smothering of the two princes in the Tower, with a lamentable end of Shores’ wife and the conjunction of the two houses of Lancaster and York. An enterlude.
1594July 20Thomas CreedeThe lamentable tragedy of Locrine, the eldest son of King Brutus, discoursing the wars of the Britons, &c.
1595April 1Cutbert BurbyeThe Pynder of Wakefeilde. An enterlude.
April 16Raphe HancockA pleasant conceipt called an Owlde Wife’s tale. An enterlude.
May 10John HardyeThe tragedy of Ninus and Semiramis, the first monarchs of the world.
May 23Thomas GossonValentine and Orsson, played by her Majesty’s players. An enterlude.
Raffe Hancock
Sept. 22Robert FyncheA woman in the moon.
Nov. 24William BlackwellThe true tragical history of King Rufus I., with the life and death of Belyn Dun, the first thief that ever was hanged in England.
Nov. 26Cutbert BurbyeThe most rare and pleasant history of A Knack to know an honest man.
Dec. 1Cutbert BurbyeEdward III. and the Black Prince, their wars with King John of France.
1595-6Jan. 20Thomas GossonThe first part of the famous history of Chinan of England.
John Danter
1597Aug. 29Andrew WiseThe tragedy of Richard II.
Oct. 20Andrew WiseThe tragedy of King Richard III., with the death of Duke of Clarence.
1597-8Feb. 25Andrew WiseThe history of Henry IV., with his battle of Shrewsbury against Henry Hottspurre of the North, with the conceited mirth of Sir John Ffalstoff.
1598July 22James RobertesThe Marchaunt of Venyce, or otherwise called the Jewe of Venyce. Provided it be not printed without license first had from the Lord Chamberlain.
Aug. 15William JonesThe blinde begger of Alexandrya. “Upon condition that it belong to no other man.”
1598Oct. 5William AspleyThe tragic comedy of Celestina, wherein are discoursed in most pleasant style many philosophical sentences and advertisements very necessary for young gentlemen, discovering the sleights of treacherous servants and the subtle carriages of filthy bawds.
Oct. 5[William] PonsonbyeThe tragi-comedy of the Vertuous Octavia, by Samuell Brandon.
1599Aug. 28John OxonbridgeThe first and second part of Edward IV. and the Tanner of Tamworth, with the history of the life and death of Master Shore and Jane Shore his wife, as it was lately acted by the right honorable the Earl of Derby his servants. Two plays.
John Busbie
Nov. 17William AspleyA Warning for Fair Women.
1599-1600Feb. 20William AspleyOld Fortunatus in his new livery. A comedy.
1600Mar. 28Cuthbert BurbyThe play of Patient Grissell.
Mar. 31William WhiteA famous history called Valentine and Orsson, played by her majesty’s players.
April 8William HolmeA comical satire of Every man out of his Humour.
May 27[James] RobertesA moral of Cloth Breeches and Velvet Hose, as it is acted by my Lord Chamberlain’s servants. “Provided that he is not to put it in print without further and better authority” [than the Wardens’].
May 29[James] RobertesThe Allarum to London. “Provided that it be not printed without further authority.”
Jul 24Richard OliffTwo plays or things; the one called The Maid’s Metamorphosis: the other Give a man luck and throw him into the Sea.
1600Aug. 11Thomas PavierThe first part of the history of the life of Sir John Oldcastell, Lord Cobham.
The second and last part of the history of Sir John Oldcastell, Lord Cobham, with his martyrdom.
The history of the life and death of Captain Thomas Stucley, with his marriage to Alexander Curtis his daughter, and his valiant ending of his life at the battle of Alcazar.
Aug. 14[Cuthbert] BurbyEvery man in his humour. A book.
Walter Burre
Aug. 23Andrew WiseMuch Ado about Nothing
William AspleyThe second part of the history of King Henry IV., with the humours of Sir John Ffallstaff. Written by Master Shakespere. Two books.
[The following entries occur in another part of the Registers:—My Lord Chamberlain’s men’s plays entered.
May 27[James] RobertesA moral of cloth breeches and velvet hose.
May 27J[ames] RobertesAllarum to London.
Aug. 4...As you like it. A book.
Henry V. A book.
Every man in his humour. A book.
The comedy of Much Ado about nothing. A book. To be stayed.]
Sept. 8Ffelix NortonJack Drum’s entertainment, a comedy, as it hath been divers times acted by the Children of Paul’s.
Oct. 7Richard OlyffeThe Wisdom of Doctor Dodepole, played by the children of Paul’s.
Oct. 8Thomas FfyssherA Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Oct. 23Richard OliffesThe weakest goeth to the walls.
Oct. 28Thomas HaiesA book called The book of the Merchant of Venice.! “By consent of Mr. Roberts.”
1600Oct. 28[Cuthbert] Burby
Walter Burre
Sommer’s last Will and Testament, presented by William Sommers.
Nov. 25William WoodLove’s Metamorphosis, written by Master John Lylly, and played by the Children of Paul’s.
Dec. 1[William] LeakeThe Downfal of Robert Earl of Huntingdon, after called Robin Hood.
Dec. 1[William] LeakeThe Death of Robert Earl of Huntingdon, with the lamentable tragedy of Chaste Mathilda.
1600-1Jan. 7Thomas BusshellThe play of Doctor Faustus.
Mar. 1John Harrison, jun.God speed the plough.
1601May 23Walter BurreNarcissus, the fountain of Self Love.
July 3Edward AldeThe true history of George Scanderbarge, as it was lately played by the right hon. the Earl of Oxenford his servants.
Aug. 3William WhiteA comedy of A Woman will have her Will.
Oct. 24Matthew LownesThe first and second parts of the play called Anthonio can Melida. “Provided that he get lawful license for it.”
Thomas Ffyssher
Nov. 11John BarnesThe untrussing of the Humorous Poets, by Thomas Decker.
Dec. 21Mathewe LownesPoetaster, or his arraignment.
1601-2Jan. 18John BusbyAn excellent pleasant and conceited comedy of Sir John Ffaulstof and the merry wives of Windesor [assigned to Arthure Johnson at same date].
1602June 7Edward AldeeBlurt Master Constable.
July 26James RobertesThe Revenge of Hamlett Prince Denmark, as it was lately acted by the Lord Chamberlain his servants.
1602Aug. 11William CottonThe life and death of the Lord Cromwell, as it was lately acted by the Lord Chamberlain his servants.
1602-3Feb. 7[James] RobertesTroilus and Cresseda, as it is acted by my Lord Chamberlain’s men. “When he hath gotten sufficient authority for it.”
1604April 30Edward BluntThe works of William Alexander of Menstrie, containing the Monarchic Tragedies.
July 5William AspleyThe Malcontent, Tragicomædia. An interlude. [Crossed out and re-entered.]
Thomas Thorpe
Nov. 2Edward BluntThe tragedy of Sejanus, written by Benjamin Johnson.
Nov. 9Thomas Man, jun.The humours of the Patient Man, the Longing Wife, and the Honest Whore.
Nov. 29[Simon] WatersonThe tragedy of Philotus, written by Samuel Daniell.
Edward Blunt
Dec. 4Nathaniel ButterThe life and death of Cavaliero Dick Boyer.
1604-5Feb. 8Thomas PavyerThe history of Richard Whittington, his low birth, his great fortune, as it was played by the Prince’s servants.
Feb. 8Thomas PavyerThe Fair Maid of Bristoe, played at Hampton Court by His Majesty’s players.
Feb. 12Nathanaell ButterKing Henry VIII. An enterlude. “If he get good allowance before he begin to print it.”
Mar. 2Henrie RockettWestward Hoe, presented by the children of Paul’s. A comedy. “Provided that he get further authority before it be printed.” [Crossed out.]
1605May 8Simon StaffordThe Tragical history of King Leir and his three daughters, as it was lately acted. Assigned [at the same date] to John Wright, “provided that Simon Stafford shall have the printing of this book.”
June 26John HodgetesThe Dutch Courtesan, as it was lately presented at the Blackfriars. “Provided that he get sufficient authority before it be printed.”
1605July 5Nathaniel ButterIf you know not me you know nobody.
Sept. 4William AspleyEastward Ho. A comedy.
Thomas Thorp
Sept. 14Nathanael ButterThe second part of If you know not me you know [no]body, with The Building of the Exchange.
Oct. 16John WrightThe Return from Pernassus, or the Scourge of Simony, publicly acted by the Students in Saint John’s College, in Cambridge. An enterlude.
Nov. 26[Simon] WatersonThe Queen’s Arcadia, presented by the University of Oxon in Christchurch.
1605-6Jan. 10Edward BlounteA comedy called Sir Gyles Goosecap, “provided that it be printed according to the copy whereunto Master Wilson’s hand is at.”
Mar. 12John TrundellNobody and Somebody.
Mar. 12William CottonThe Ffanne. A play. “Provided that he shall not put the same in print before he get allowed lawful authority.”
Mar. 17Eliazar EdgarThe Wonder of Women, or the tragedy of Sophonisba.
1606May 13John TrundellThe Fleare. A comedy. “Provided that they are not to print it till they bring good authority and license for the doing thereof.” [Trundel’s share was transferred to A. Johnson, Nov. 21, and Buck’s license obtained to print.]
John Busbye
June 5John WrightJulius Cæsar’s Revenge.
Nathanael Ffossbrook
Nov. 12Clement KnighteWily Beguiled.
1606-7Feb. 23[Simon] WatersonLingua. A comedy. [Assigned to J. Waterson, 19th Aug. 1635.]

Date.For whom Entered.Licenser.Name of Play.
1607April 10Francis BurtonB.The tragical life and death of Claudius Tiberius Nero.
April 20Nathanael ButterB.The Whore of Babilon.
John Trundell
April 24Henrie RockettB.The Fair Maid of the Exchange.
May 9Arthur JohnsonB.The Phenix.
May 15Arthur JohnsonB.Michaelmas Term. A comedy.
May 20Eleazar EdgarB.The Woman hater, as it hath been lately acted by the Children of Paul’s.
Robert Jackson
June 3William AspleyB.The tragedy of Busey D’Amboise, made by George Chapman.
June 29John BusbyeT.Cupid’s Whirleygigge. A comedy.
Arthur Johnson
June 29John WrightB.The travels of the three English Brothers, as it was played at the Curtain. A play.
July 31George VyncentB.The misery of inforced Marriage. A tragedy.
Aug. 6George EldeB.The Puritan Widow. A comedy.
Aug. 6George EldeB.Northward Ho.
Aug. 6Thomas ThorpB.What you will. A comedy.
Oct. 7George EldeB.The Revenger’s Tragedy. }Two plays.
B.A Trick to catch the Old one.}
Oct. 12John BrowneB.The Family of Love, as it hath been lately acted by the Children of His Majesty’s Revels. A play.
John Helme
Oct. 16John WrightB.The tragedy of Pope Alexander VI., as it was played before his Majesty.
1607Oct. 22Arthur JohnsonB.The Merry Devil of Edmonton. A play.
Nov. 26Nathaniel ButterB.Master William Shakespeare his history of King Lear, as it was played before the King’s Majesty at Whitehall upon Saint Stephen’s night at Christmas last by His Majesty’s servants playing usually at the Globe on the Bankside.
John Busby
1607-8Mar. 22Richard BonyonB.The Five Witty Gallants, as it hath been acted by the Children of the Chapel. A play.
1608Mar. 28Richard MooreB.A most witty and merry conceited comedy called Who would a’ thought it, or Law Tricks.
April 12John HelmeB.Humour out of Breath.
April 21Thomas ThorpeB.The characters of two Royal Masques invented by Ben. Johnson.
April 29Thomas Man, jun.B.The second part of the Converted Courtesan, or Honest Whore.
May 2[Thomas] Pavyer...A Yorkshire Tragedy, written by Wylliam Shakespere.
May 20Edward BlountB.Pericles, Prince of Tyre.
June 3John BusbyB.A Roman tragedy called the Rape of Lucrece.
Nathanael Butter
June 5Thomas ThorpB.The Conspiracy and Tragedy of Charles Duke of Byronn, written by George Chapman.
Oct. 4Walter BurreS.A mad World, my maysters.
Eleazer Edgar
Oct. 6John BacheB.The Dumb Knight. A play.
1608Nov. 25Nathanael ButterB.The tragedy of Mustapha and Zangar.
1608-9Jan. 26Henry WalleysS.The Case is altered. [Bartholomew Sutton is added to the two other publishers on 20 July 1609.]
Richard Bonion
Jan. 27Jeffrey CharltonS.Bonos Nochios. An interlude.
S.Craft upon Subtilty’s back. An interlude.
Jan. 28Richard BonionS.The history of Troylus and Cressida.
Henry Walleys
Feb. 22Richard BonionS.The masque of Queens celebrated, done by Benjamin Johnson.
Henry Walley
Mar. 10John Busby, jun.S.The tragedy of the Turk, with the death of Borgias, by John Mason, gent.
1610June 12John Browne...Chester’s Triumph in honor of the Prince, as it was performed upon S. Gregory’s day in the aforesaid city.
Sept. 20John BrowneB.Epiceone, or the Silent Woman, by Ben. Johnson.
John Busby, jun.
Oct. 3Walter BurreB.The Alchemist, made by Ben Johnson.
Oct. 31Thomas ThorpeB.Histriomastix, or the Player Whipped.
Nov. 9Robert WilsonB.Ram Alley, or Merry Tricks.
1611Sept. 14John StepnethB.The tragedy of the Atheist.
Oct. 14William BarrengerB.The Golden Age, with the lives of Jupiter and Saturn.
Nov. 23John BudgeB.A Woman is a Weathercock. A comedy.
1611-12Feb. 1William BarrengerB.A Christian turned Turk, or the tragical lives and deaths of the two famous pirates Ward and Danseker, as it hath been publicly acted. Written by Robert Daborn, gent.
Feb. 15Edward BlunteB.A play-book, being a Tragi-comedy called the Nobleman, written by Cyril Tourneur.
1611-12Feb. 15Edward BlunteB.The Twins Tragedy, written by Niccolls. A tragedy.
1612April 17[John] BrowneB.The Revenge of Bussy D’Amboys. A tragedy.
B.The Widow’s Tears. A comedy. Both written by George Chapman.
Dec. 17Richard HawkinsB.The tragedy of the Fair Mariamne, Queen of Jewry.
1614May 23Richard RedmerB.Hog hath lost his Pearl.
1614-5Feb. 21Robert LownesB.The Valiant Welshman.
1615April 18Walter Burr...Ignoramus, Comœdia prout Cantabrigie acta coram Jacobo, &c.
April 24Josias HarisonB.The Hector of Germany, or the Palsgrave “is a harmless thing.” [These four words have been struck through with a pen.]
April 24Josias Harison...Cupid’s Revenge.
April 28Nicholas Okes...Albumazar. A comedy acted before His Majesty at Cambridge, 10 Mar. 1614[-5].
Aug. 14Richard Redmere...The Honest Lawyer. A play. [Assigned at same date to Richard Woodriffe.]
1615-6Mar. 19Miles PatricheB.The Scornful Lady, written by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher.
1618April 20John ParkerB.The Marriages of the Arts, written by Barth. Holyday, M.A. A Comedy.
June 3Barnard Alsope...See me and see me not, by Dabridgcourt Belgier. A poem.
Aug. 7[Edward] BlounteB.A King and no King. A play.
1619April 28[Richard] HiggenbothamB.The Maid’s Tragedy. A play.
[Francis] Constable
July 10[John] BrownB.The Temple Masque, anno 1618.
Oct. 17Richard MeighenB.Swetnam the Women Hater arraigned by Women. A comedy.
1619-20Jan. 10Thomas Walkley...Philaster. A play.
Jan. 15John Trundle...The life and death of Guy of Warwick, written by John Day and Thomas Decker.
1620May 22Laurence ChapmanB.Two Merry Milkmaids. A play.
July 4George PursloweB.A courtly masque, or the The World Tost at Tennis, acted at the Prince’s Arms by the Prince his highness’ servants.
John Trundle
1621Sept. 18John NortonB.The Pilgrim of Casteell, or the Fortunes of Llamphilus and Nisa. “Not to be printed until he bringeth more sufficient authority.”
Oct. 6Thomas WalkleyB.The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice.
Dec. 7Thomas JonesB.The Virgin Martyr. A tragedy.
1621-2Feb. 22Matthew RodesB.A tragedy of Herod and Antipater, by Gervase Markham.
1622-3Jan. 20Edward BlackmoreA.Sforza, Duke of Millaine, made by Master Messenger. A play.
George Norton
1623Sept. 3Francis GroveA.A book of Jigs containing three books or parts.
Nov. 8[Edward] Blounte...Master William Shakspeer’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies, so many of the said copies are not formally entered to other men.
Isaac Jaggard
.........Comedies: The Tempest.
.........The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
.........Measure for Measure.
1623Nov. 8......The Comedy of Errors.
.........As you like it.
.........All’s well that ends well.
.........Twelfe Night.
.........The Winter’s Tale.
.........Histories: The third part of Henry VI.
.........Henry VIII.
.........Tragedies: Coriolanus.
.........Timon of Athens.
.........Julius Cæsar.
.........Macbeth.
.........Anthonie and Cleopatra.
.........Cymbeline.
1623-4Mar. 12[John] HarrisonH.The Bondman, by Phillip Messenger.
Edward Blackmore
1624June 28John Wright...The Spanish Jepsye.
1626April 14John Waterson...The Staple of News. A comedy.
1627April 8Robert Milbourne...Apollo Shroving. A comedy.
1627-8Feb. 27John MarriottH.The tragedy of Lodovick Sforza, Duke of Millan, by Robert Gomersall.
1629June 2Henry SeileH.The Lover’s Melancholy, by John Ford, gent.
Nov. 13Jaspar EmeryeH.The Duchess of Suffolk, written by Thomas Drue. A play.
1629-30Jan. 1Ephraim DawsonH.The Collonell, written by William Davenant, gent.
1629-30Jan. 10John WatersonH.The Crewel Brother, written by William Davenant.
H.The Just Italian, by the same.
Feb. 26John GroveH.Hoffman, the Revengeful Father. A play.
H.The Grateful Servant, by James Shirley. A play.
Feb. 27Raph MabbeH.The Spanish Bawd. A play.
Mar. 22John WatersonH.The Runegado, by Philip Messenger. A play.
1630Mar. 26John MariottH.Aristippus and the Pedler.
April 8[Francis] ConstableH.The Chast Mayd of Chepeside. A play.
April 8—— AllcottH.The Pedler, by R. Davenport. A comedy.
April 16[Francis] ConstableH.The Battle of the Affections, or Love’s Lodestone. A play.
June 29[Nathaniel] ButterH.The second part of the Honest Hoore, by Thomas Decker.
Sept. 13Andrew CrookeH.A comedy in Latin called Loyola, by Doctor Hackket.
Nov. 8[Henry] SeileH.Match me in London, by Thomas Decker. A play.
1630-1Feb. 9[Robert] MilborneH.A comedy in Latin called Pedantius.
Feb. 25[Francis] ConstableH.The School of Complement, by James Shirley.
1631April 17Thomas AlchorneH.New Inn, written by Ben. Johnson. A comedy.
April 25William SheeresH.Scicelides, acted at Cambridge. A play.
May 16John JackmanH.The Wonder of a Kingdom, by Thomas Decker. A comedy. [Entered again under 24 Feb. 1635-6 to N. Vavasor, “dated 7 May 1631.”]
May 16John JackmanH.The Noble Spanish Souldier, by Thomas Deckar. A tragedy. [Entered again under 9 Dec. 1633 to N. Vavasor, “anno 1631.”]
May 18[Thomas] HarperH.Cæsar and Pompey, by George Chapman. A play.
June 16Richard RoystonH.The Fair Maid of the West, 1st and 2d part. A comedy.
Sept. 7[Richard] MeighenH.Amarath the Turk. A play.
1631Sept. 7[Richard] MeighenH.The tragedy of Bajazet II., or the Raging Turk.
Sept. 28[Richard] ThrallH.Ffraus honesta.
Nov. 12[Michael] SparkesH.A flora show at Norwich.
Nov. 19John WatersonH.The Emperor of the East. A playbook.
Nov. 24[Francis] ConstableH.A new wonder, or a Woman never vexed. A comedy by William Rowley.
1631-2Jan. 16[John] Waterson, jun.H.The Maid of Honor, by Philip Massinger. A play.
Jan. 26John GroveH.The Leaguer. (The reformations to be strictly observed: may be printed not otherwise expressed by the foresaid words) [sic]. A comedy.
Feb. 9William CookeH.The Changes, or Love in a Maze, by Master Sherley. A comedy.
Mar. 24Nicholas VavasorH.The Northern Lass, by Master Broome. A comedy.
1632Mar. 30Francis ConstableH.The Fatal Dowry. A tragedy.
May 9Andrew CrookeH.A tragedy in Latin called Roxana.
June 13[Humfrey] RobinsonH.The Rival Friends, by Peter Hausten. A comedy.
Sept. 27[Thomas] HarperH.All’s lost by Lust, by William Rowley. A tragedy.
Nov. 2William ShearesH.The Costly Whore. A Comedy.
Nov. 9William CookeH.A dialogue of Riches and Honor, by J. S.
Nov. 10[Henry] SeileH.Alaham, by Fulke Lord Brooke. A tragedy.
H.A new way to pay old debts, by Philip Massinger. A comedy.
Nov. 20Nicholas VavasorH.The Jew of Malta. A tragedy.
1632-3Jan. 15William ShearesH.A match at Midnight. A play.
1632-3Jan. 15William CookeH.The witty fair one, by James Shirley. A play.
Jan. 21Hugh BeestonH.Love’s Sacrifice, by John Ford. A tragedy.
Mar. 19William CookeH.The Bird in the Cage, by James Shirley. A comedy.
1633Mar. 28Hugh BeestonH.The Broken Heart, by John Ford. A tragedy.
June 15[Richard] MeighenH.The Fine Companion, by Shakerley Marmyon. A play.
July 15Nicholas OkesH.The Traveller, by Master Heywood. A comedy.
Aug. 1—— AllottH.Fuimus Troes, or the True Troians, represented by the gentlemen students of Magdalen College in Oxford.
1633-4Feb. 24Hugh BeestonH.Perkin Warbeck, by John Ford. “Observing the caution in the license.” A tragedy.
1634April 8John WatersonH.The two Noble Kinsmen, by John Fletcher and William Shakespeare. A tragi-comedy.
April 17John SpenserH.Bellum grammaticale, by Master Spense.
June 25Nicholas OakesBl.A maidenhead well lost. A play.
Oct. 28Benjamin FisherH.The Witches of Lancashire. A play.
Nov. 3William CookeH.The Traytor, by James Shirley. A play.
1634-5Jan. 19John BensonH.The Shepherd’s Holiday, by J. Rutter. A tragi-comedy.
1635Sept. 30John CrouchBl.The Queen’s Masque, or Love’s Mistress, by Master Haywood. A play.
Dec. 7[John] MarriottH.The Great Duke of Florence. A comical history, by Philip Massinger.
1635-6Feb. 4[Richard] MeighenH.The Platonic Lovers, by William Davenant. A play.
Feb. 4[Richard] MeighenH.The Wits, by William Davenant. A play.
1636June 17Robert RaworthH.A challenge for Beauty, by Haywood. A play.
Aug. 6Charles GreeneBl.The history of Anniball and Scipio, by Thomas Nabbes. A play.
Bl.A moral masque, by Thomas Nabbes.
1636-7Mar. 29[John] WatersonT.The Elder Brother, written by John Fletcher. A comedy.
[? 23]John Benson
Mar. 25James BeckettT.The Royal King and the Loyal Subjects, by Master Heywood. A comedy.
T.Hide Park, by James Shirley. A comedy.
1637April 13Andrew CrookeT.The Lady of Pleasure.} By James Shirley. Two plays.
William CookeT.The Young Admiral. }
April 26[John] WatersonT.The Valiant Scot. A tragedy.
Oct. 18Andrew Crooke...The Example, by Master Shirley. A play.
William Cooke
Nov. 15William Cooke...The Gamester, by James Shirley. A play.
Nov. 28John Okes...A Shoemaker is a gentleman, with the life and death of the Cripple that stole the weathercock of Paul’s, by William Rowley. A comedy.
1637-8Jan. 29Thomas WalkleyH.The Cid, a tragi-comedy translated out of French by Master Rutter.
Feb. 3[Henry] Seile...The Fancies, by John Ford. A play.
Feb. 15John Okes...The Martyred Soldier, with the life and death of Purser Clinton, by H. Shirley.
Mar. 5John Okes...The Lost Lady. A play.
Mar. 12Henry Sheapard...The wisewoman of Hogsden, by Thomas Haywood. A play.
Mar. 13[Andrew] Crooke...The Duke’s Mistress, by James Shirley. A play.
William Cooke
Mar. 13[Andrew] Crooke...The Conspiracy. A play.

Date.For whom Entered.Name of Play.
1637-8Mar. 13[Andrew] CrookeThe Royal Master, by James Shirley. A play.
John Crooke
Richard Searger
Mar. 14[Henry] SeileA Latin Comedy called Naufragium Joculare, by Abraham Cowley.
A Pastoral Comedy called Love’s Riddle, by Abraham Cowley, whilst he was King’s Scholar in Westminster School.
1638Mar. 30[Thomas] HarperA Latin Comedy called Cornelianum Dolium, by T. R.
[Thomas] Slater
April 5Charles GreeneTottenham Court, by Thomas Nabbes. A play.
April 18Thomas WalkleyAglaura, by Sir John Sucklin, Knight. A play.
May 28Charles GreeneCovent Garden, by Thomas Nabbes. A play.
June 23Charles GreeneThe Spring’s glory, by Thomas Nabbes. A book.
July 13John OakesThe Seven Champions of Christendom, with the life and death of Jack Straw and Wat Tyler, by John Kirke. A play.
Oct. 24[Andrew] CrookePhillip Chalbott, Admiral of France, and the Ball, by James Shirley. A book.
William Crooke
Oct. 26John CrookeArviagus and Philicia, first and second parts. A play.
Richard Serger
Oct. 26Thomas WalkleyThe Tragedy of Cleopatra, and Julia Agripina, Emperess of Rome. Two plays.
Nov. 6Henry SheapardThe Lady’s Trial, by John Ford. A play.
Nov. 7[Humphry] MozeleyThe Sophister. A comedy.
1638-9Jan. 11[Daniel] PakemanArgalus and Parthenia, by Henry Glapthorne. A play.
Jan. 22[John] WatersonMonsieur Thomas, by Master John Fletcher. A comedy.
Feb. 14[John] WatersonThe unnatural Combat, by Phillip Massinger. A tragedy.
Mar. 1[Thomas] HarperImperiale. A tragedy.
1639Mar. 28Humphrey BlundonA new trick to cheat the Devil, by Master Damport. A book or comedy.
1639April 12William CookeThe Maid’s Revenge, by James Shirley. A play.
April 25[Andrew] Crooke
William Cooke
Nightwalkers. Opportunity. Love’s Cruelty. The Coronation. Wit without money. 5 plays.
June 18John OkesThe Knave in Grain, or Jack Cottington. A play.
July 8Laurence BlaicklockThe Bride, by Thomas Nabbes. A play.
July 29William CookeThe Humorous Courtier, by James Shirley. A play.
Sept. 23George HuttonAlbertus Wallenstein, late Duke of Friedland, by Henry Glapthorne. A tragedy.
Oct. 3Daniel FrereMessalina, the Roman Empress, by N. R. A tragedy.
Oct. 4John CrookeThe Bloody Brother, by J. B. A tragedy.
Richard Sergier
Nov. 4Daniel FrereUnfortunate Mother, a tragedy by Thomas Nabbes. A play.
Nov. 20Daniel FrereThe Rebellion, by Thomas Rawlins. A play.
Nov. 29John Williams
Francis Egglestone
The Arcadia. A Pastoral.
Love’s Cruelty, by James Shirley. A Tragedy. Entered before to Master Crooke.
1639-40Jan. 31[William] LeakeThe Strange Discovery, by J. G., gent. A tragi-comedy.
Feb. 14William CookeThe Tragedy of Saint Albons, by Master James Shirley. A play.
Feb. 20John BensonThe Masque of the Gypsies, by Benjamin Johnson.
1639-40Mar. 11John Williams
Francis Egglestone
The Antiquary. A comedy.
Look to the Lady, by James Shirley. A comedy.
Mar. 19[Francis] ConstableSparagus Garden. The Antipodes. Wit in a Madness. Three plays, by Rich. Brome.
Mar. 20[Andrew] Crooke
Richard Seirger
The Masque of Augurs.
Time Vindicated.
Neptune’s Triumphs.
Pan’s Anniversary, or The Shepherd’s Holiday. Four masques, by Benjamin Jonson.
1640April 2William CookeThe Queen of Arragon, by William Habington, Esquire.
April 2[Andrew] CrookeThe Swaggering Damosell, by Master Chamberlayne. A comedy.
The Prisoner, by Master Killegrey. A tragedy.
April 4[Francis] ConstableThe Lady’s Privilege, by Henry Glaphthorne. A play.
April 27[Francis] ConstableWit in a Constable, by Henry Glapthorne. A comedy.
April 28[Richard] WhitakerSaint Patrick for Ireland. The Constant Maid. Two plays, by James Shirley.
May 22Widow WilsonThe Hollander, by Henry Glapthorne. A comedy.
May 22John OkesLove’s Masterpiece, by Thomas Haywood. A comedy.
Aug. 4[Andrew] CrookeClaracilla, by Master Killegray. A play.
Christianetta. The Jewish Gentleman. A New Academy or Exchange. The Lovesick Count. The Covent Garden. The English Moor, or Mock Marriage. Six plays, by Richard Broome.

Table V — Transfers of Copyright in Plays, 1584-1640

Date.Name of Play.To whom Transferred.
1584Campaspe1591, Oct. 4, Galathea re-entered. 1597, April 12, Sappho and Campaspe transferred from T. Cadman to Joan Brome. 1601, Aug. 23, Sappho, Campaspe, Endymion, Midas, Galatea, from Mrs. Brome, deceased, to G. Potter. 1632, all six published together by E. Blount.
1585April 1Galatea
1584April 6Sappho
1591Oct. 4Midas
Endymion
1594Jan. 18Mother Bombie
1592Oct. 6Spanish Tragedy1599, Aug. 13, Spanish Tragedy and Edward Longshanks assigned from A. Jeffes to W. White. 1600, Aug. 14, Henry V., Spanish Tragedy, Edward Longshanks, Jack Straw, Looking-glass for London, “formerly printed,” set over to T. Pavier. 1602, April 19, 1 & 2 Henry VI. assigned from T. Millington to T. Pavier. 1626, Aug. 4, Henry V., Spanish Tragedy, Sir John Oldcastle, and “Master Pavier’s right in Shakespeare’s plays, or any of them,” assigned by Mrs. Pavier to E. Brewster and R. Bird. 1630, Nov. 8, his interest in Henry V., Sir John Oldcastle, York and Lancaster, and Yorkshire Tragedy assigned by Mr. Bird to J. Cotes.
1593Oct. 8Edward Longshanks
1593Oct. 23Jack Straw
1593-4Mar. 5Looking-glass for London
1593-4Mar. 12i York and Lancaster
1595ii York and Lancaster
1600Aug. 11Sir John Oldcastle
1600Aug. 4Henry V. “stayed”
1608May 2Yorkshire Tragedy
1600July 24Maid’s Metamorphosis1600, Oct. 23, Jack Drum assigned from F. Norton to R. Oliff. 1615, Nov. 6, Jack Drum, Weakest to the Wall, and Maid’s Metamorphosis, from Mrs. Oliff to P. Knight. 1617, Oct. 18, Weakest to Wall and Maid’s Metamorphosis assigned from P. Knight to R. Hawkins. 1627-8, Mar 1, King and no King, Philaster, and Orthello assigned from T. Walkley to R. Hawkins. 1629, Oct. 27, Maid’s Tragedy from Heggenbotham and Constable to R. Hawkins. 1638, May 29, all the group except Jack Drum from Hawkins to Mead and Meredith. 1638-9, Jan. 25, the same from them to Leake.
1600Sept. 8Jack Drum’s entertainment
1600Oct. 23Weakest goeth to the wall
1618Aug. 7King and no King
1619April 28Maid’s Tragedy
1619-20Jan. 10Philaster
1621Oct. 6Othello
1599Aug. 281 & 2 Edward IV.1599-1600, Feb. 23, his moiety in 1 & 2 Edward IV. assigned from J. Busby to H. Lownes. 1627, May 30, his share in Poetaster and Anthonie and Mellida assigned by T. Lownes to H. Lownes and R. Young, 1628, Nov. 6, his interest in Poetaster, 1 & 2 Jane Shore, and Anthony and Melida assigned by H. Lownes to G. Cole and G. Latham. 1630, Dec. 6, their interest in the same play assigned by them to R. Young.
1601Oct. 24Antonio and Mellida
1601Dec. 21Poetaster
1597Aug. 29Richard II.1603, Jan. 25, set over from A. Wise to M. Low.
1597Oct. 20Richard III.
1597-8Feb. 251 Henry IV.
1600Aug. 14Every Man in his humor1605, Aug. 6, Sejanus assigned by E. Blunt to T. Thorpe. 1610, Oct. 3, Sejanus and Vulpone assigned by T. Thorpe to W. Burre. 1612, Sept. 28, Silent Woman assigned by J. Browne to W. Burre. 1622-3, Feb. 17, D’Ambois’ Revenge assigned by Mrs. Browne to J. Marriott. 1630, July 3, Narcissus, Mad World, Alchemist, Silent Woman, Ignoramus, assigned by Mrs. Bur to J. Spencer. 1630, July 20, Ignoramus entered for G. Edmondson and J. Spenser (with Spencer’s consent). 1635, July 4, all the seven plays by Jonson were entered for Stansby by virtue of a note bearing date 1621, June 10, under the hands of W. Burre and M. Lownes. N.B. Stansby printed the Jonson folios 1616, 1631.
1601May 23Cynthia’s Revels (Narcissus)
1604Nov. 2Sejanus
1607Volpone
1608Oct. 4A mad world, my Masters
1610Sept. 20Silent Woman
1610Oct. 3Alchemist
1611Catilina
1612April 17D’Ambois’ Revenge
1615April 18Ignoramus
1594May 2Taming of a Shrew1606-7, Jan 22, the first three were entered for N. Ling, with C. Burby’s consent. 1607, Nov. 19, all four were set over to J. Smythick. Mr. Halliwell in his Outlines omits the Shrew entry.
1598Love’s Labour’s Lost
1599Romeo and Juliet
1602July 26Hamlet
1594May 28Orlando1609, Oct. 16, assigned by Mrs. Burby to Welby. 1617-8, Mar. 2, by Welby to Snodham. 1625-6, Feb. 23, by Mrs. Snodham to W. Stansby. 1638-9, Mar. 4, the first four by Mrs Stansby to Bishop. Only half shares in the two last plays are concerned in these entries.
1595April 1George a Greene
1595Dec. 1Edward III.
1600Aug. 14Every man in his humour
1600Oct. 28Summer’s last Will and T.
1600The Shoemaker’s Holiday1610, April 19, assigned from V. Symms to J. Wrighte, and agreed that “Symms shall have the workmanship of the printing thereof for the use of the said J. Wrighte during his life, if he have a printing house of his own.”
1600-1Jan. 7Dr. Faustus1610, Sept. 13, assigned from T. Bushell to J. Wright.
1593July 6Edward II.1611, Dec. 16, Edward II. assigned from W. Jones to R. Barnes. 1615-6, Jan. 5, Dr. Doddipoll from Mrs. Oliffe to H. Bell. 1617, April 17, Edward II. from R. Barnes to H. Bell. 1638, Sept. 4, both plays from Henry and Moses Bell to Haviland and J. Wright.
1600Oct. 7Dr. Doddypoll
1600Dec. 11 & 2 Robin Hood1616-7, Feb. 16, all assigned from Leake to Barrett. 1626, April 3, Cromwell and Fawn from Mrs. Barrett to Parker. 1638, Sept. 4, all the plays from Parker to Haviland and J. Wright.
1602Aug. 11Lord Cromwell
1605-6Mar. 12The Fawn
1598Mucedorus1618, Sept. 17, assigned by Mrs. Jones to J. Wright.
1605June 26Dutch Courtesan1613, April 19, “a half part” in the two last plays, all Edgar’s interest in the Courtesan (which was entered originally to Hodgetts), and the whole of Sophonisba assigned from E. Edgar to J. Hodgetts.
1605-6Mar. 17Sophonisba
1607May 20Woman hater
1608Oct. 4A Mad World, my M.
1615Aug. 14The Honest Lawyer1622-3 Jan. 11, assigned by R. Woodriffe to T. Barlow.
1607April 24Fair Maid of Exchange1616, April 9, assigned by Mrs. Rocket to N. Bourne. 1635-6, Feb. 27, by Bourne to G. Edwards.
1615April 24Cupid’s Revenge1617, May 8, Scornful Lady assigned by M. Patrich to T. Jones. 1619, April 15, Cupid’s Revenge and the Palsgrave by J. Harrison to T. Jones. 1633, Oct. 24, all six plays by T. Jones to Matthews.
The Palsgrave
1615-6Mar. 19Scornful Lady
1621Dec. 7Virgin Martyr
1624Nero
1633The Heir
1600Oct. 28Merchant of Venice1619, July 8, L. Hayes, inherited from T. Hayes, his father.
1607Oct. 12Family of Love1621, Sept. 2, Tu quoque and Fair Quarrel assigned by J. Trundle to T. Dewe. 1627, Dec. 3, all four plays by Mrs. Helme (and T. Dewe?) to W. Washington. 1628, May 21, the last three by him to Flesher.
1608April 12Humor out of Breath
1614Greenes’s Tu Quoque
1617Fair Quarrel
1607Oct. 22Merry Devil of Edmonton1624, June 21, Assigned by A. Johnson to F. Faulkner.
1592April 3Arden of Feversham1624, June 29, assigned by Mrs. White to E. Aldee. [The Leire entered with these was not the old play, but a prose history now lost] 1640, April 22, Bacon, Robin Hood, and The Owl assigned from Mrs. Aldee to Oulton.
1592Nov. 20Salomon and Bersheba
1594May 14F. Bacon and F. Bungay
Robin Hood and Little John
?The Owl (not extant; written 1613)
1608Oct. 6The Dumb Knight1610, Nov. 19, assigned by J. Bache to R. Wilson.
1603Nero (in Latin)1626, Sept. 4, Nero and Woman’s a Weathercock transferred from J. Budge to Allott. 1630, Nov. 16, Blount’s interest in Shakespeare assigned to Allott. 1631, Sept. 7, Staple of News assigned by J. Waterson to Allot. 1637, July 1, all the group from Mrs Allott to Legatt and A. Crook. [N.B. 1 Henry VI, is called 3 Henry VI., Troylus is omitted, and Anthony included in the 1630 entry]
1611Nov. 23Woman’s a Weathercock
1614Bartholomew Fair
1622Share in Shakespeare Folio
1626April 14Staple of News
1629Roman Actor
1630Mar. 26Aristippus
1633Aug. 1True Trojans
1623Nov. 8Share in Shakespeare Folio1627, June 19, Jaggard’s share assigned by Mrs. Jaggard to T. Cotes and R. Cotes.
1609Faithful Shepherdess1628, Dec. 8, H. Walley’s share assigned to R. Meighen.
1606Nov. 12Wily Beguiled1629, Oct. 12, assigned by C. Knight to T. Knight. 1635-6, Mar. 8, by T. Knight to Alchorn.
1601-2Jan. 18Merry Wives of Windsor1629-30, Jan. 29, assigned by A. Johnson to Meighen.
1607May 19Phœnix
1607May 15Michaelmas Term
1607June 29Cupid’s Whirligig
1594June 19Four London Prentises1630, Aug. 2, assigned by N. Okes to J. Okes.
1611-12Oct. 14Golden Age
1613Silver Age
1632Iron Age
1615April 28Albumazar
1611Roaring Girl1630-1, Feb. 10, assigned by T. Archer to H. Perrey. 1634, Sept. 15, White Devil and Insatiate Countess assigned by H. Perrey to H. Taunton.
1612White Devil
1613Insatiate Countess
1621-2Feb. 22Herod and Antipater1633, May 9, assigned by M. Rhodes to F. Smith. 1633, Aug. 3, by F. Smith to T. Lambert. 1633-4, Jan. 2, by T. Lambert to F. Smith again.
1606-7Feb. 23Lingua1635, Aug. 19, assigned by S. Waterson to J. Waterson.
1607July 31Misery of enforced M.1637, April 28, assigned by Mrs. Vincent to R. Thraile.
1607Oct. 22Merry Devil of E.1624, June 21, assigned by A. Johnson to F. Faulkner.
1608Nov. 26Mustapha.1632, Nov. 10, assigned by N. Butter to J. Seile.
1619-20Jan. 15Guy of Warwick1620, Dec. 13, assigned by J. Trundle to T. Langley.
1620May 22Two Merry Milkmaids1623, Sept. 13, assigned by L. Chapman to M. Walbanke.
1622-3Jan. 20Duke of Milan1623, May 5, Norton’s share assigned to Blackmore.
1639June 18Knave in grain1639, Oct. 22, assigned by J. Okes to J. Nicholson as “new vampt” [which is not part of the title, as Mr. Haliwell supposes].
1630Picture1634, Aug. 8, assigned by T. Walkey to J. Waterson.
1600April 8Every Man out of his Humor1638, April 28, assigned by Smethwick to Bishop.
1629Wedding1637, Sept. 25, assigned by J. Grove to W. Leake.
1629-30Feb. 26Grateful Servant
Hoffmann
1631-2Jan. 26Holland’s Leaguer
1637-8Mar. 5Lost Lady1638, Sept. 24, assigned by J. Okes to J. Coleby. 1640, Sept. 5, by J. Coleby to R. Roiston.
1604-5Feb. 12Henry VIII. (When you see me, &c.)1639, May 21, assigned by N. Butter to Flessher.
1605July 51. If you know not me, &c.
1605Sept. 142. If you know not me, &c.
1607Nov. 26Lear
1608June 3Lucrece, Roman tragedy
1630June 292. Honest Whore

At this point we lose the aid of Mr. Arber’s reprint of “The Stationers’ Registers,” which does not extend beyond 1640. It is, however, necessary to continue our notes to 1660, the date of the reopening of the theatres, because even at that date entries were made attributing plays to Shakespeare. The following memoranda have no pretence to completeness, and are compiled (pending an opportunity of examining the registers themselves) from the much-abused Biographia Dramatica, which is, nevertheless, much more useful than the abbreviated compilation made from it (retaining nearly all its errors) by the scissors of Mr. Halliwell, and published by him as A Dictionary of Old English Plays. Two of these entries are so important for dramatic history that they are printed in parallel columns, with the list of MSS. once in the possession of John Warburton, the Somerset Herald, but mostly destroyed by his cook. From these it will be seen at a glance that three-fifths of his collection consisted of the remainder of Moseley’s stock, which contained the majority of old unprinted MSS. extant in 1660.

From these S. R. entries, taken as a whole, the reader will find that the total number of extant plays originally produced between 1576, when theatres were first opened, and their closing in 1642, is less than 500. Nor have we reason to believe that they ever numbered more than 2000 or so. Nearly all worth preserving has been preserved. The gross exaggerations of Halliwell and Collier on this matter depend on their estimating the number of contemporaneous theatres and companies at some fifteen. They really never exceeded five. They also neglect the facts that many so-called new plays were mere revisions of the old ones, “new vamped” versions slightly altered; and that the inferior theatres depended largely on extemporaneous performances, of which only the plots were committed to writing. In the palmy days of the Admiral’s company, Henslow brought out a new play once a fortnight, but this was undoubtedly an exceptional instance. The best companies, such as the King’s, and after them the Queen’s, produced one in about two months. Taking all this into consideration, 2000 is a liberal estimate; 20,000 is a number that could only be dreamed of by an inaccurate writer intent on effect rather than truth. And of this 2000 not more than a quarter would be worth preserving: indeed, of those preserved many are quite valueless. The few good ones lost are such as The Jeweller of Amsterdam, suppressed for political reasons; or the original Henry VIII., destroyed by fire or other accident.

In these Supplementary Lists names of authors wrongly attributed are printed in italics, and names of plays occurring both in Warburton’s list and Moseley’s entries are asterised.


1646. Sept. 4, were entered, The Spartan Ladies, by Ludovic Carlell; The Corporal and the Switzer, by Arthur Wilson; The Fatal Friendship, by Burroughes.

1653. Sept. 23, The Bondwoman.

1653. Nov. 29 (by R. Marriot), The Black Wedding; Castara, or Cruelty without Lust; The Conceits; The Divorce; The Florentine Friend; A Fool and her Maindenhead soon parted; The Law Case; The Noble Ravishers; The Paraside, or Revenge for Honor, by Henry Glapthorne; Pity the Maids; The Proxy, or Love’s Aftergame; The Royal Choice, by Sir Robert Stapylton; Salisbury Plain; Supposed Inconstancy; The Woman’s Law; Woman’s Masterpiece; The Younger Brother.

1654. April 8, The Apprentice’s Prize, by Brome and Heywood; The Life and Death of Sir Martin Skink, with the Wars of the Low Countries, by Brome and Heywood; The Jeweller of Amsterdam, or the Hague, by Fletcher, Field, and Massinger; The Maiden’s Holiday, by Marlowe and Day (see Warburton’s list).


Supplementary Table of Moseley’s Entries in 1653 and 1660, and Warburton’s List

Plays entered 9 Sept. 1653Authors.Plays in the Warburton MSS.Authors.Plays entered 29 June 1660.Authors.
*Philenzo and Hippolito. C.P. Massinger*Philenzo and Hippolito. C.P. Massinger
*Antonio and Vallia. C.P. Massinger*Antonio and Vallia. C.P. Massinger
*The Parliament of Love. C.W. Rowley*The Parliament of Love.W. Rowley
*The Spanish Viceroy, or The Honor of Women. C.P. MassingerThe Judge. C.P. Massinger
*The Honor of Women. C.P. Massinger
*Minerva’s Sacrifice, or The Forced Lady. T.P. Massinger*Minerva’s Sacrifice. T.P. Massinger
*The Forced Lady. T.P. Massinger
*Believe as you list. C.P. Massinger*Believe as you list. C.P. Massinger*Believe as you list. C.P. Massinger
The Italian Nightpiece, or Unfortunate Piety.P. Massinger
The Wandering Lovers, or The Painter. C.P. Massinger
*The Very Woman, or The Woman’s Plot [or the Prince of Tarent.] T.C.P. Massinger*The Woman’s Plot. T. C.P. Massinger*A right Woman.Beau. and Flet.
*The Noble Choice, or The Orator. T.C.P. Massinger*The Noble Choice. T. C.P. Massinger
The Prisoner, or The Fair Anchoress [of Pausilippo]. T.C.P. Massinger*The Tyrant. T.P. Massinger*The Tyrant. T.P. Massinger
Alexias, or The Chaste Gallant. T.P. Massinger
*Fast and Welcome. C.P. Massinger*Fast and Welcome. C.P. Massinger
*The four honorable Loves. C.W. Rowley*The four honored Loves. C.W. Rowley
The Fool without Book.W. Rowley*The Nonesuch. C.W. Rowley*The Nonesuch. C.W. Rowley
*The Second Maiden’s Tragedy.*The Second Maiden’s Tragedy.G. Chapman
*Yorkshire Gentle-woman and her sons.G. Chapman*The Yorkshire Gentle-woman and her son.G. Chapman
*The Fatal Love.*Fatal Love, a French tragedy.G. Chapman
*The King of Swedland.*Gustavus, King of Swethland.T. Dekker
*Jocondo and Astolpho.T. Dekker*The tale of Jocondo and Astolpho. C.T. Dekker
*An ill beginning may have a good end. C.J. Ford*An ill beginning has a good end, and a &c. C.J. Ford
*The London Merchant. C.J. Ford*The London Merchant. C.J. Ford
*The Royal Combat. C.J. Ford*The Royal Combat. C.J. Ford
*Beauty in a Trance.J. Ford*Beauty in a Trance.J. Ford
*The Governor.Sir C. Formido*The Governor.Sir C. Formido
*The Duchess of Fernandina. T.H. Glapthorne*The Duchess of Fernandina, T.H. Glapthorne
The Vestal. T.H. GlapthorneThe Noble Trial.H. Glapthorne
*Nothing impossible to Love. T.C.Sir R. LeGreece*Nothing impossible to Love. T.C.Sir R. LeGreece
*Love hath found out his eyes.T. Jordan*Love hath found out his eyes.T. Jordan
*The Crafty Merchant, or the Soldiered Citizen, [or Come to my country house], or the Merchant’s Sacrifice.S. Marmion
[W. Bonen]
*The Soldiered Citizen.
*The Puritan Maid, the Modest Wife, and the Wanton Widow. C.T. Middleton*The Puritan Maid, the Modest Wife, and the Wanton Widow. C.T. Middleton
*The Widow’s Prize. C.W. Sampson*The Widow’s Prize. C.W. Sampson
The history of Cardenio.Fletcher and ShakespeareA play.W. ShakespeareIphis and Ianthe, or A marriage without a man.W. Shakespeare
*Henry I. and Henry II.Shakespeare and Davenport*Henry I.W. Shakespeare
[Query, is Duke Humphrey a version of 2 Henry VI.?]*Duke Humphrey. T.W. Shakespeare*Duke Humphrey.W. Shakespeare
The History of King Stephen.W. Shakespeare
*The Inconstant Lady. C.A. Wilson*The Inconstant Lady. C.A. Wilson
The Lovesick Maid or, The Honor of Young Ladies.R. BrownThe Fair Favorite.Sir W. DavenantThe Faithful Friends.Beau. and Flet.
The Bugbears. C.J. GeffreyThe history of Madoc, King of Britain.F. Beaumont
The Jew of Venice.T. DekkerA Mask.R. Govell
The Woman’s Mistake.Drue & DavenportThe History (Tragedy) of Jobe.R. GreeneThe Fatal Brothers. T.R. Davenport
The Duke of Guise.H. ShirleyThe Queen of Corsica. T.F. JaquesThe Politic Queen, or Murther will out.R. Davenport
The Dumb Bawd.H. ShirleyThe Maiden’s Holiday.C. Marlowe
Giraldo the Constant Lover.H. ShirleySt. George for England.Wil. SmithThe Prodigal Scholar. C.T. Randall
The Spanish Duke of Lerma.H. ShirleyWorks.Sir J. SucklingThe Christmas Ordinary.Trin. Coll. Oxon.
The Countryman.Anonymous’Tis good sleeping in a whole skin.W. Wager
The King’s Mistress.Anonymous
The Politic Bankrupt, or Which is the best Girl?AnonymousAn enterlude.R. Wood
The Flying Voice.R. Wood
The City Shuffler.Anonymous
The Fairy Queen.Anonymous
The Great Man.Anonymous
The Lovers of Loodgate.Anonymous
Orpheus.Anonymous
The Spanish Puecas.Anonymous
Demetrius and Marsina, or The Imperial Imposter and unhappy Heroine.Anonymous

← Back to A Chronicle History of Shakespeare

Scroll to Top