The collaboration between Florio and Shakespeare is seen as a potential source for the works that eventually became solely attributed to Shakespeare, often overshadowing Florio’s contributions due to his foreign origins. Several explanations support this theory, the most prominent being Florio’s deep knowledge of Italian authors, culture, and language, which resonates throughout Shakespeare’s plays. Both men shared patrons and friends, and they faced criticism from mutual adversaries such as Thomas Nashe and Robert Greene. Notably, playwright Ben Jonson, who was a friend of Florio, referred to him as the “Ayde of his Muses.” Moreover, Florio was the first to translate Montaigne’s Essays into English, a significant source that has been frequently cited in discussions about Shakespeare’s works, both before and after Florio’s translation. Like Shakespeare, Florio also contributed to the English language, coining more than a thousand new words, many of which, along with various compounds and proverbs, are often mistakenly attributed to Shakespeare. Additionally, there are claims that Florio served as the primary editor of the First Folio, further cementing his influence on Shakespearean literature. On this page, you can delve into different articles that explore the influence of Florio’s works and life on Shakespeare, showcasing their connections through textual evidence, mutual patrons, friends, and shared enemies.