​COOKE, JO. (fl. 1614), dramatist, was the author of an excellent comedy entitled ‘Greene's Tu Quoque, or the Cittie Gallant. As it hath beene diuers times acted by the Queenes Maiesties Seruants. Written by Jo. Cooke, Gent.,’ 4to, published in 1614, with a preface by Thomas Heywood. Another edition appeared in 1622, 4to, and there is also an undated 4to (1640?). Chetwood mentions an edition of 1599, but no reliance can be placed on Chetwood's statements. Greene, a famous comedian, took the part of Bubble, the Cittie Gallant, who constantly has on his lips the words ‘Tu Quoque:’ hence the origin of the first title ‘Greene's Tu Quoque.’ In the ‘Stationers' Register,’ under date 22 May 1604, we find entered, ‘Fyftie epigrams written by J. Cooke, Gent.’ Cooke's play has been reprinted in the various editions of Dodsley's ‘Old Plays.’ (‘A Pleasant Comedie: How to chuse a Good Wife from a Bad,’ is attributed in a manuscript note on the title-page of a copy of the edition of 1602, preserved in the Garrick collection, to ‘Joshua Cooke,’ whose name is otherwise unknown.)

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