Overview
Like most of Shakespeareās history plays, King John presents a struggle for the English crown. The struggle this time, however, is strikingly cold-blooded and brutal.
John, the younger brother of the late Richard I, is the king, and a savage one. His opponent is a boy, his nephew Arthur, supported by the King of France and the Duke of Austria. After Arthur falls into Johnās hands, John plots to torture him. Arthurās capture gives Louis, the Dauphin of France, the opportunity to lay claim to Johnās crown. Johnās nobles support Louis, but he schemes to betray them.
The play finds its hero in another figure: the Bastard, Sir Richard Plantagenet, an illegitimate son of Richard I. Although he has an appetite for war, he also has a strong conscience and speaks with trenchant irony.
This edition includes:
-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the playās famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeareās language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Libraryās vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading
Essay by Deborah T. Curren-Aquino
The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the worldās largest collection of Shakespeareās printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.
This book title, King John, ISBN: 9781982167462, by William Shakespeare, Dr. Barbara A. Mowat, Paul Werstine, published by Simon & Schuster (September 1, 2020) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
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