ABSTRACT
THERE were two major versions of Hamlet before the first Folio. On 26 July 1602 there was entered in the Stationers' Register to James Roberts 'A booke called the Revenge of Hamlett Prince Denmarke as yt was latelie Acted by the Lord Chamberlayne his servants'. Next year, after the accession of J ames I, appeared the first Quarto, 'The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet Prince of Denmarke. By William Shakespeare. As it hath beene diverse times acted by His Highnesse servants in the Cittie of London: as also in the two Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and elsewhere. At London printed for N.L. [Nicholas Ling] and John Trundell.' The second Quarto of 1604 was claimed to be 'Newly imprinted and enlarged to almost as much againe as it was, according to the true and perfect Coppie. Printed by J.R. [James Roberts] for N.L.'
