Shakespeare's history plays, as fresh today as when they were written, are based upon the assumption that time is not simply a destroyer but a preserver, and that 'examples past' might enable us to understand the present and anticipate the future. This lively study examines the continuing tradition of Shakespeare's history plays in stage and film productions as well as giving an account of the critical debate on these plays. Following two introductory chapters giving essential background on the genre, the English history plays are discussed in turn, bringing out the distinctive characteristics of each play: the three early Henry VI plays; the perennial stage favourite Richard III; King John; Richard II; Henry IV 1 and 2, famous for the character of Falstaff; Henry V, which is treated very differently in the film versions by Olivier and Branagh; and Henry VIII. An invaluable introduction to these fascinating and complex plays.
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'Fresh but informed, Chernaik's study will please both students and those who think they know more. The author brings characters alive in intelligent ways, deftly conjures memories of productions and films he has seen, and is particularly good at encapsulating competing critical accounts of these texts in a a few pithy words. These testimonies align themselves with the open-mindedness and sagacity of his own readings, to create a focussed but also panoramic reading of Shakespeare's history plays.' Michael Hattaway University of Sheffield
Book Description
This lively and accessible introduction discusses each of Shakespeare's history plays, and their distinctive characteristics, in turn: the three early Henry VI plays; Richard III; King John; Richard II; Henry IV 1 and 2; Henry V; and Henry VIII. An invaluable guide to these fascinating and complex plays.
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The Cambridge Introduction, Shakespeare's History Plays, King John, King Henry, King Harry, Prince Hal, Queen Margaret, Lord of Misrule, Duke Humphrey, Queen Elizabeth, The Wars of the Roses, John of Gaunt, King Richard, Shakespeare's English, Richard of Gloucester, Julius Caesar, Dover Wilson, Terry Hands, Jack Falstaff, Duke of York, Troublesome Raigne, John Barton, Greg Doran, Alan Howard, King Lear Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
deposition scene, theatrical audience, paper crown Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
The Cambridge Introduction, Shakespeare's History Plays, King John, King Henry, King Harry, Prince Hal, Queen Margaret, Lord of Misrule, Duke Humphrey, Queen Elizabeth, The Wars of the Roses, John of Gaunt, King Richard, Shakespeare's English, Richard of Gloucester, Julius Caesar, Dover Wilson, Terry Hands, Jack Falstaff, Duke of York, Troublesome Raigne, John Barton, Greg Doran, Alan Howard, King Lear Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
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