Wooing of Death, The

Henry Chettle (1600)


Historical Records

Payments to Playwrights (Henslowe's Diary)


F. 69 (Greg I.121)

Receaued by me Henry Chettle of mr Henshlowe
in earnest of a booke Called the wooinge of deathe ... xxs
                                     By me henry chettle./



Theatrical Provenance

The Admiral's players paid Henry Chettle 20s. for "The Wooing of Death" sometime between 27 April and 6 May 1600, which was during their final season at the Rose playhouse before a move to the Fortune in late summer or early fall. The uniform opinion of scholars is that the play was never completed.

Probable Genre(s)

Tragedy ? (Harbage)


Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues

None known.


References to the Play

None known.


Critical Commentary

Greg has no suggestions as to the content of this play (II. Item #203, p. 213).



For What It's Worth



Works Cited


Site created and maintained by Roslyn L. Knutson, Professor Emerita, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; updated 31 October 2009.