Henry IV, Part I

Following the death of Richard II, Shakespeare continues his history cycle with part one of the story of Henry IV—a play about power, honor, and rebellion.

This title in the Signet Classics Shakespeare series includes:

• An overview of William Shakespeare’s life, world, and theater
• A special introduction to the play by the editor, Maynard Mack
• A note on the sources from which Shakespeare derived Henry IV, Part One—including selections from Raphael Holinshed’s The Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland
• Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Dover Wilson, and others
• A stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions of Henry IV, Part One
• Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable format
• Recommended readingsHenry IV, Part I - William Shakespeare - Edited by Maynard Mack Samuel Johnson: From The Plays of William Shakespeare
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: From H. C. Robinson?s Memoranda and Seven Lectures
John Dover Wilson: From The Fortunes of Falstaff
Derek Travers: The Battle Scenes
James Winny: From The Player King: A Theme of Shakespeare?s Histories
Robert Ornstein: From A Kingdom for a Stage
Michael Goldman: From Shakespeare and the Energies of Drama
Coppelia Kahn: From Man?s Estate: Masculine Identity in Shakespeare
Cleanth Brooks and Robert S. Heilman: From Understanding Drama
Sylvan Barnet: ?Henry IV, Part I? on the Stage and Screen

NEWLY ADDED ESSAYS:
T. F. Wharton: Interpreting ?Henry IV?: Four Productions

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.