ABSTRACT
Of the more than 600 writers here listed, about two-thirds are noted in the Dictionary of National Biography. Many of the others are noticed in Biographia Dramatica, in Alumni Oxonienses, Alumni Cantabrigienses, and in the Dictionary of Literary Biography. When the dates given below differ from those in these five reference works, as happens in a number of instances, the reason is that recent research has yielded new biographical facts; in such instances the source of my information is that indicated in the prefatory essay. Initials of anonymous authors are listed, but not in cases where the authors have been satisfactorily identified. In library catalogues, it should be noted that (a) translated or adapted plays are sometimes listed under the name of the original author and not of the translator or adaptor, and (b) plays may be listed under the author's name alternatively spelled. Thus, Broke may appear as Brooke; Bellon as Belon; Corey as Corye; Crawford as Crauford; Stapleton as Stapylton; Sydserff as St Serfe, etc. When an author is cited in the Chronology more than once in any given year, the number of listings is indicated below in round brackets following the date. Each playwright entry also includes bibliographical citations of standard and comprehensive collections following the pertinent dates and record of listings. References to Nicoll are to Early English Century Drama, 3rd ed. (A History of English Drama, 1660–1900, Vol. II), 1952.
