Robert Greene’s
The Scottish Historie of Iames the fourth, slaine at Floddenwas printed in 1598, six years after the death of its author. Greene’s friend – and possible collaborator – Thomas Nashe wrote of him: “In a night & a day would he have yarkt up a Pamphlet as well as in seaven yeare, and glad was that Printer that might bee so blest to pay him deare for the very dregs of his wit” (1.287). This testifies to Greene’s immense and enduring popularity (the tract
Greene in Conceiptalso appeared in 1598, purporting to have been written by the dead Greene, with a title-page image of him sitting up in his winding-sheet, pen in hand). In addition, Nashe’s comment suggests Greene’s habit of writing carelessly and at speed. After all, Nashe went on to add: “his only care…
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Citation: Roberts, Peter Brynmor. "James the Fourth". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 14 October 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=4363, accessed 22 November 2024.]