richard hakluyt (, or ) (c. 1552 or 1553 – 23 november 1616) was an english writer. he is famous for his efforts in promoting the settlement of north america by the english through his works. his most important books are "divers voyages touching the discoverie of america" (1582) and "the principal navigations, voiages, traffiques and discoueries of the english nation" (1598–1600).