His _nom de plume_ was Democritus, Jr., and he is an advocate of the laughing philosophy.
_Thomas Hobbes_, 1588-1679: tutor to Charles II., when Prince of Wales, and author of the _Leviathan_.

This is a philosophical treatise, in which he advocates monarchical government, as based upon the fact that all men are selfish, and that human nature, being essentially corrupt, requires an iron control: he also wrote upon _Liberty and Necessity_, and on _Human Nature_.
John Stow, 1525-1605: tailor and antiquary.

Principally valuable for his "Annales," "Summary of English Chronicles," and "A Survey of London." The latter is the foundation of later topographical descriptions of the English metropolis.
Raphael Hollinshed, or Holinshed, died about 1580: his _Chronicles of Englande, Scotlande, and Irelande_, were a treasure-house to Shakspeare, from which he drew materials for King Lear, Cymbeline, Macbeth, and other plays.
Richard Hakluyt, died 1616: being greatly interested in voyages and travels, he wrote works upon the adventures of others.

Among these are, "Divers Voyages Touching the Discoverie of America," and "Four Voyages unto Florida," which have been very useful in the compilation of early American history.
Samuel Purchas, 1577-1628: like Hakluyt, he was exceedingly industrious in collecting material, and wrote "Hakluyt's Posthumus, or Purchas, his Pilgrimes," a history of the world "in Sea Voyages and Land Travels." Sir Walter Raleigh, 1552-1618: a man famous for his personal strength and comeliness, vigor of mind, valor, adventures, and sufferings.

A prominent actor in the stirring scenes of Elizabeth's reign, he was high in the favor of the queen.