Thomas North
Sir Thomas North | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 May 1535 London |
| Died | 1604 (aged 68–69) London |
| Nationality | English |
| Alma mater | Peterhouse, Cambridge |
| Occupation(s) | Justice of the Peace, author and translator |
| Known for | Translating Plutarch's Lives into English |
| Parent(s) | Edward North, 1st Baron North, Alice Brockenden |
| Relatives | Roger North, 2nd Baron North (brother); Alice Arden in Arden of Faversham (half-sister); Elizabeth North (daughter); Christina North, Mary North (sisters) |
Sir Thomas North (28 May 1535 – c. 1604) was an English translator, military officer, lawyer, and justice of the peace. His translation into English of Plutarch's Parallel Lives is notable for being the main source text used by William Shakespeare for his Roman plays. He was the second son of Edward North, the 1st Baron North, and brother to Roger North. He maintained a long literary career, spanning six decades, but likely faced financial difficulties later in life due to receiving little inheritance. It has recently been hypothesised that all of his published translations may have influenced the Shakespearean theatrical canon, and that he may himself have known William Shakespeare.