<i>Henry IV, Part 2</i> is the only Shakespeare play that is a “sequel,” in the modern sense, to an earlier play of his. Like most sequels, it repeats many elements from the previous work, <i>Henry IV, Part 1</i>. This play again puts on stage Henry IV’s son, Prince Hal, who continues to conceal his potential greatness by consorting with tavern dwellers, including the witty Sir John Falstaff.<br /> <br />As in <i>Part 1</i>, Prince Hal and Falstaff seek to best each other in conversation, while Falstaff tries to ingratiate himself with Hal and Hal disdains him. <i>Part 2</i> adds some fresh characters, the rural justices Shallow and Silence and Shallow’s household. Political rebellion, while important to the plot, does not loom as large as in <i>Part 1</i>. There are no glorious champions; combat is replaced by deception, cunning, and treachery.<br /> <br />The authoritative edition of <i>Henry IV, Part 2</i> from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:<br /> <br />-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play<br /> -Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play<br /> -Scene-by-scene plot summaries<br /> -A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases<br /> -An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language<br /> -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play<br /> -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books<br /> -An annotated guide to further reading<br /> <br />Essay by A. R. Braunmuller<br /> <br />The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s 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.