Raphael Holinshed

Raphael Holinshed was an English chronicler whose monumental work became a foundational source for playwright William Shakespeare. Though his grand project of compiling a world history was never fully realized, the portion published offered an ambitious chronicle of the British Isles. Holinshed's meticulous gathering and presentation of historical events provided a rich tapestry that would inspire later literary interpretations. His compilation remains a significant resource for understanding the historical context and literary inspirations of his era.