Henry VI (Parts I, II and III)

Description

All three parts of William Shakespeare’s Henry VI are combined in this Signet Classics edition of the Bard’s historical play.

When his father dies, young Henry VI ascends to the English throne. What comes next is a complex, thrilling tale of rivalry, betrayal, and war…

This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as:

• All three parts of Shakespeare’s play, each with their own introduction
• An overview of Shakespeare’s life, world, and theater
• Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, E.M.W. Tillyard, J.P. Brockbank, Sir Barry Jackson, Hermann Ulrici, Phyllis Rackin, and Ralph Fiennes
• A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions
• Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text
• And more…
Shakespeare: Henry VI Part One/Henry VI Part Two/Henry VI Part ThreeShakespeare: An Overview
Biographical Sketch / A Note on the Anti-Stratfordians, Especially Baconians and Oxfordians / The Shakespeare Canon / Shakespeare’s English / Shakespeare’s Theater / A Note on the Use of Boy Actors in Female Roles / Shakespeare’s Dramatic Language: Costumes, Gestures and Silences; Prose and Poetry / The Play Text as a Collaboration / Editing Texts / Shakespeare on the Stage

Introduction to Henry VI, Part One
Henry VI, Part One
Textual Note

The Sources of Henry VI, Part One
Raphael Holinshed From Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland
Edward Hall From The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York

Commentaries
Hermann Ulrici From Shakespeare’s Dramatic Art
E.M.W. Tillyard From Shakespeare’s History Plays
J.P. Brockbank From The Frame of Disorder—Henry VI
Phyllis Rackin Anti-Historians: Women’s Roles in Shakespeare’s Histories
Ralph Fiennes Playing Henry VI
Lawrence V. Ryan Henry VI on Stage and Screen
Sylvan Barnet The Stage History Since 1989

Introduction to Henry VI, Part Two
Henry VI, Part Two
Textual Note

The Date and the Sources of Henry VI, Part Two
Edward Hall From The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York
John Foxe From Acts and Monuments of Martyrs
Anthony Munday, William Shakespeare(?), et al From Sir Thomas More

Commentaries
Samuel Johnson From The Plays of William Shakespeare
J.P. Brockbank From The Frame of Disorder—Henry VI

Introduction to Henry VI, Part Three
Henry VI, Part Three
Textual Note

The Sources of Henry VI, Part Three
Edward Hall From The Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York

Commentaries
Samuel Johnson From The Plays of William Shakespeare
J.P. Brockbank From The Frame of Disorder—Henry VI
E.M.W. Tillyard From Shakespeare’s History Plays

Suggested References

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was a poet, playwright, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Often referred to as the Bard of Avon, Shakespeare’s vast body of work includes comedic, tragic, and historical plays; poems; and 154 sonnets. His dramatic works have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.US

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