The textual history of Eastward Ho! is intimately tied to other elements of the play’s creation and political impact. Questions about the printing and publication are complicated by the collaborative authorship, the unauthorized production, the imprisonment of Jonson and Chapman, the probable rush to print and the censorship evident in the survival of two obviously differing issues, censorship which may extend even further into the text.

On 4 September 1605 Eastward Ho! was entered in the Stationer’s Register by ‘William Aspley’ and ‘Thomas Thorp’:

Entred for their Copies vnder the handes of Master WILSON and Master ffeild warden A Comedie called Eastward Ho: . vj^d (Arber, 1875-94, 3.128)

The title page provides additional information:

EASTWARD/ HOE. / As / It was playd in the / Black-friers. / By / The Children of her Maiesties Reuels. / Made by / GEO: CHAPMAN. BEN: IONSON. IOH: MARSTON. / [Device] / AT LONDON / Printed for William Aspley. / 1605.