Special Collections
Wonderful William Shakespeare
Description: All his literature in all its many versions!
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Henry IV, Part 1
by William ShakespeareHistory play, completed in Henry IV Part 2. Features some of Shakespeare's most enduring characters: Prince Hal, Falstaff, and Hotspur.
Henry IV, Part 2
by William ShakespeareHistory play, with King Hery IV Part 1. Features some of Shakespeare's most enduring characters: Prince Hal, Falstaff, Hotspur.
Henry IV, Part I
by William ShakespeareAfter overthrowing his predecessor, King Henry IV is acutely aware of the delicate political tensions he must balance to protect his throne. On one hand, he must rein in his son, the mischievous Prince Hal, who has left the court for a life of drinking and pleasure. At the same time, he must put down a rebellion of some of the most powerful families in England. Henry IV, Part I is the second of four connected plays about successive British monarchs, including Richard II, Henry IV, Part II, and Henry V.
Henry IV, Part II
by William ShakespeareAfter defeat at the Battle of Shrewsbury the rebels regroup. But Prince Hal’s reluctance to inherit the crown threatens to destroy the ailing Henry IV’s dream of a lasting dynasty. Shakespeare’s portrait of the prodigal son’s journey from youth to maturity embraces the full panorama of society. Henry IV, Part 2 is believed to have been written between 1596 and 1599. It is the third part of a tetralogy, preceded by Richard II and Henry IV, Part 1 and succeeded by Henry V.
Henry V
by William ShakespeareHenry V is Shakespeare’s most famous “war play”; it includes the storied English victory over the French at Agincourt. Some of it glorifies war, especially the choruses and Henry’s speeches urging his troops into battle. But we also hear bishops conniving for war to postpone a bill that would tax the church, and soldiers expecting to reap profits from the conflict. Even in the speeches of Henry and his nobles, there are many chilling references to the human cost of war.
Henry VIII
by William ShakespeareKing Henry VIII risks both his realm and his immortal soul when he divorces Katherine of Aragon in favour of Anne "Bullen". With a cast of characters that includes Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cranmer, the dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sir Thomas Cromwell, Shakespeare explores one of the most fascinating periods in English history, which was still shaping and influencing his world under Henry's daughter, Elizabeth I.
Henry VI, Part 1
by William ShakespeareOne of Shakespeare's history plays. First of a four-play series, including Henry VI Parts 2 and 3 and Richard III.
Henry VI, Part I
by William ShakespeareAfter the death of King Henry V, King Henry VI must ascend to the throne amist the chaos of the Hundred Years' War and internal struggles closer to home that threaten the British monarchy.
Henry VI, Part II
by William ShakespeareKing Henry VI's reign is beset with infighting among the nobility as the War of the Roses breaks out in full and the king faces open rebellion as the Duke of York makes a claim for the throne .
Henry VI, Part III
by William ShakespeareKing Henry VI is now on the run, defending his crown from the Yorkists in a conflict that will determine the fate of the British monarchy.
Julius Caesar
by William ShakespeareTragedy about the death of the Emperor Julius Caesar and its aftermath.
Julius Caesar
by William ShakespeareBased on events in Roman history, Shakespeare explores themes of justice and morality in Julius Caesar. Brutus, convinced by Cassius, kills Caesar in the Senate. The conspirators, believing they are acting in the best interest of Rome, refuse to flee—until Mark Antony sways public opinion with his infamous speech. His words sparks the battle to that drives the conspirators from Rome and leads the play to its dramatic conclusion.
King Henry V
by William ShakespeareHistory play about the man Shakespeare portrays as the ideal king.
King John
by William ShakespeareTreachery and betrayal are the order of the day during the reign of King John of England (1199-1216). After he is forced to recognize the illegitimate son of his dead brother, King Richard I, King John finds himself under siege by the French king, Philip. Dealing with themes of royal legitimacy, succession, and the tenuous nature of diplomatic relationships, King John parallels issues prevalent in Shakespeare's own society at the time.
King Lear
by William ShakespeareKing Lear, growing old and too tired to reign, decides to divide his realm amongst his three daughters, leaving the largest share to the one who loves him the most. His two eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan, foolish and deceitful children, are rewarded for their insincere flattery. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, however, speaks honestly and truthfully, which enrages the old king. He disinherits Cordelia, and then drives himself to madness, left to wander the heath with only his Fool, his servant Caius, and the madman Tom O'Bedlam for company. Once reunited with Cordelia, Lear is too late repents his rashness, and must face the tragic consequences of his choices.
King Lear
by William ShakespeareYork Notes Advanced offer a fresh and accessible approach to English Literature. This market-leading series has been completely updated to meet the needs of today's A-level and undergraduate students. Written by established literature experts, York Notes Advanced intorduce students to more sophisticated analysis, a range of critical perspectives and wider contexts.
King Richard III (PDF)
by William Shakespeare and James R. SiemonRichard III is one of the great Shakespearean characters and roles. James R Siemon examines the attraction of this villain to audiences and focuses on how beguiling, even funny, he can be, especially in the earlier parts of the play. Siemon also places King Richard III in its historical context; as Elizabeth I had no heirs the issue of succession was a very real one for Shakespeare's audience. The introduction is well-illustrated and provides a comprehensive account of the play and of critical approaches to it. The edition also provides a clear and authoritative playtext, edited to the most rigorous standards of scholarship, with detailed notes and commentary on the same page. With a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary the Arden Shakespeare is the finest edition of Shakespeare you can find, giving a deeper understanding and appreciation of his work.