First Part of King Henry IV (The New Cambridge Shakespeare)
Contributors: Herbert Weil (Editor); Judith Weil (Editor)
Edition: 2 edition
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: November 26, 2007
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 256
ISBN-13: 9780521687430
Subjects: Shakespeare plays, texts; Early Modern English Drama (1500-1700); Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616; Literary Criticism; Literature - Classics / Criticism; English; General; Shakespeare; Literary Collections / General; 1367-1413.; Drama; Great Britain; Henry; Henry IV, 1399-1413; History; IV,; King of England,
Description: "This updated edition offers a theatrical perspective on the origins of Shakespeare's The First Part of King Henry IV and the history of its interpretation. The introduction clarifies the play's surprising, de-centred dramatic structure, questioning the dominant assumption that the drama focuses on the education of Prince Hal. It calls attention to the effects of civil war upon a broad range of relationships. Falstaff's unpredictable vitality is explored, together with important contemporary values of honour, friendship, festivity and reformation." "Lexical glosses of obscure, ambiguous or archaic meanings make the rich wordplay accessible. The notes also provide a thorough commentary on Shakespeare's transformation of his sources (particularly Holinshed's Chronicles) and suggest alternative stagings. This updated edition contains a new introductory section by Katharine A. Craik, which describes recent stage, film and critical interpretations, and an updated reading list."--BOOK JACKET.