The Tempest.
Written. 1610-11.
Published, in the folio, 1623.
Source of the Plot. It is likely that many sources contributed to the making of this plot. If Shakespeare took the fable from a single source, that source is not now known. He may have taken suggestions for it from the following books:—
1st. From a little collection of novels by Antonio de Eslava, a Spanish writer, whose book, Noches de Invierno, was published in Barcelona in 1609. Three tales in this collection seem to have given hints for the play. The fourth chapter, about "The Art Magic of King Dardano," helped him more than the others. Whether the title of the book suggested the title of A Winter's Tale is not known.
2nd. From a German play, Die schöne Sidea, by a Nuremberg dramatist, named Jacob Ayrer.
3rd. From the tracts relating to the discovery of the Bermuda Islands in 1609. Of the known tracts, A Discovery of the Bermuda Islands, by Sylvester Jourdain, gave Shakespeare the most hints.
Several other books may have suggested lines and passages.
The Fable. Prospero, Duke of Milan, having been driven from his dukedom by Antonio his brother, flies to sea with his daughter Miranda, lands on an island, and there lives, served by two creatures, one an airy spirit, the other a loutish monster.
By art magic, he brings to the island his usurping brother and the king and heir of Naples. Miranda falls in love with the heir of Naples. Prospero dismisses his spirits, reconciles himself with his brother, and plans to sail at once for Milan.