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 2007 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.
| ISBN: | 9780521671200 |
| Publication date: | 25th October 2007 |
| Author: | Warren L Chernaik |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 220 pages |
| Series: | Cambridge Introductions to Literature |
| Genres: |
Literary studies: general |
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 2007 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.
The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare's History Plays features in the following genres: Literary studies: general
The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare's History Plays is available in Paperback
The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare's History Plays was written by Warren L Chernaik and published by Cambridge University Press
The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare's History Plays has 220 pages
Yes it is part of Cambridge Introductions to Literature series
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