Dictionary.net

An English miscellaneous writer of great versatility and note; born in London, 1553; died there, August 1633. He wrote a large number of plays, generally in collaboration with Chettle, Drayton, Wilson, Dekker, Webster, and others: among them being "Richard Coeur de Lion's Funeral" (1589); "A Chance Medley" (1598); "The Rising of Cardinal Wolsey" (1601); "Death of Robert, Earl of Huntington" (1601); and "The Two Harpes" (1602). He was also a writer of ballads of much note, which were licensed to be sung in London. He wrote, translated, or adapted numerous romances, including "Palladino of England" (1588) and the two first books of "Amadis de Gaule" (between 1589 and 1595). His work "The English Romayne Lyfe" (about 1582) excited the most comment: it was ostensibly an account of his adventures among English Catholic refugees in France and Italy, and was anti-Catholic in tone. His prodigious activity in literature and affairs makes him one of the most notable characters of his time.