James Howell (c. 1594–1666) was an Anglo-Welsh historian and writer.
James Howell, born around 1594 and passing away in 1666, was a historian and writer of Anglo-Welsh origin. His historical writings and literary contributions place him as a figure of the 17th century. The provided text also clarifies that the name "James Howell" has been associated with numerous other individuals across various fields, including chess, politics, sports, and business, spanning different countries and time periods. These other individuals, such as the chess grandmaster James Howell (born 1967) or the former mayor of Brooklyn James Howell (1829–1897), are distinct from the historian and writer.