These two history plays-one written in the early days of Shakespeare's career and one at the very end-are alike in the complexity of their political vision.King John probes the nature of good and evil as self-interest and ruthless ambition proceed unchecked while an unpopular ruler wages a brutal fight to keep his throne. Henry VIII is a sumptuous spectacle of pomp and ceremony, as well as an exploration of the mysterious ways in which the rise and fall from power of individuals led ultimately to England's destiny as a Protestant nation.

Foreword

King John and Henry VIII

The Playhouse

KING JOHN

Introduction

King John in Performance

King John

Date and Text

Textual Notes

Shakespeare's Sources

Further Reading

HENRY VIII

Introduction

Henry VIII in Performance

Henry VIII

Date and Text

Textual Notes

Shakespeare's Sources

Further Reading

Memorable Lines

King John

Henry VIII