William Thynne was an English scholar and editor, best known for his work on the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer. Born around 1490, he played a significant role in the preservation and publication of Chaucer's works during the early 16th century. Thynne's edition of Chaucer's poems, published in 1532, was one of the first comprehensive collections and helped to establish Chaucer's reputation as a major literary figure. In addition to his work on Chaucer, Thynne was also involved in the literary scene of his time, contributing to the study of English literature. He served as a clerk to Henry VIII and was connected to various literary and scholarly circles, which further influenced his editorial efforts.