1604 in literature

This article contains information about the literary events and publications of 1604. Events January 1 – The King's Men perform Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream at the English Court. c. April – The King's Men perform Ben Jonson's tragedy Sejanus His Fall (written 1603 and previously presented at Court) at the Globe Theatre, where it is not popular. The title role is probably played by Richard Burbage, and Shakespeare also appears. July – Miguel de Cervantes sells the rights of the first part of his satirical novel on the theme of chivalry, Don Quixote (El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha), to Madrid publisher-bookseller Francisco de Robles. In September license to publish is granted and in December the printing (by Juan de la Cuesta) is finished for publication the following month. November 1 ("Hallowmas" Day) – The King's Men perform Shakespeare's tragedy Othello at Whitehall Palace with Burbage in the title role, the first recorded performance. November 4 – The King's Men perform Shakespeare's comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor at Whitehall Palace. December 26 – The King's Men perform Shakespeare's comedy Measure for Measure at Court. December 28 – The King's Men perform Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors at Court. December – A report shows that the King's Men are performing a play on the politically sensitive Gowrie Conspiracy.