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Product Description
David Scott Kastan lucidly explores the remarkable richness and the ambitious design of King Henry IV Part 1 and shows how these complicate any easy sense of what kind of play it is. Conventionally regarded as a history play, much of it is in fact conspicuously invented fiction, and Kastan argues that the non-historical, comic plot does not simply parody the historical action but by its existence raises questions about the very nature of history. The full and engaging introduction devotes extensive discussion to the play's language, indicating how its insistent economic vocabulary provides texture for the social concerns of the play and focuses attention on the central relationship between value and political authority.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Henry IV Part One has been thoroughly enjoyable on each of the three times I have seen it before - even on the occasion that I saw the character of Hotspur played by one of the worst actors I have ever seen in a professional production! But that's one of the joys of the play, in Henry, Hal, Hotspur and Falstaff there are four main characters, each of which has the possibility of enchanting the audience. This would, I imagine, also make it a fascinating play to put on a production of.
But the main thing about the Arden versions, and this is no exception, is that they provide a very in-depth guide to understanding the words of the play (there are often as many notes on a page as there is text), and excellent and interesting introductions.
So I recommend this on two counts - it is amongst Shakespeare's most interesting and engaging plays, and this version will help you get the most out of the play!
But the main thing about the Arden versions, and this is no exception, is that they provide a very in-depth guide to understanding the words of the play (there are often as many notes on a page as there is text), and excellent and interesting introductions.
So I recommend this on two counts - it is amongst Shakespeare's most interesting and engaging plays, and this version will help you get the most out of the play!
Format:Paperback
This play is one of Shakespeare's richest in characters, themes and set-piece scenes. Falstaff needs no introduction: the fat man who fears shame and yet represents humanity, irresponsibility and the common-sense approach to the concept of honour (that it does not help you when you are dead!) Hal, his companion in the ale house, knows he must give up Falstaff's company when he is King and he prefaces this renunciation (which occurs in Part II) at the end of the marvellously comic scene of role-playing in the inn. "Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world," says Falstaff, playing Hal who answers, "I do, I will" speaking as the King. No-one knows of Hal's soliloquy in which he reveals to the theatre audience that he will reform when crowned, and his father is justifiably alarmed at his behaviour when he needs him to help put down the rebellion. Hotspur, one of the rebels, shows another version of irresponsibility: inability to keep his temper and an impulsive nature where his honour is concerned, to say nothing of incompetence: "I have forgot the map!" Shakespeare alters his actual age to make him a contrast to Hal and his death on the battle field is moving as the young man seems to stammer his last words. Another set piece is the robbery (not serious as they give the money back) where Falstaff hilariously exaggerates the number of his opponents but there is an underlying serious political side to the drama: war is harsh and a king must make cruel decisions particularly when his throne is insecure. Falstaff does die of a broken heart at the start of Henry V as a result of his treatment by Hal.
(I am less of a fan of the Arden editions than some reviewers as I find that the footnotes intrude on the text too much)
(I am less of a fan of the Arden editions than some reviewers as I find that the footnotes intrude on the text too much)
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
about time!
12 Sep 2003
Format:Paperback
Arden's are always wonderful but the Henry IV was almost 50 years old--at last there is a new edition and it was actually worth the wait! This is one of the best editions of any Shakespeare play I have ever seen. A must for any high school or college library. A must for any lover of Shakespeare.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
at last!
15 April 2003
Format:Paperback
This is the best edition of 1 Henry IV on the market today; and probably the most impressive of the new Arden series. The intro is energetically written and always interesting; the glosses are lucid and helpful; the text beautifully presented. This is the wonderful Arden Shakespeare at its very best!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Shakespeare and Arden!!
20 Aug 2003
Format:Paperback
This is an exemplary edition; beautifully presented and impressively researched. The text is clear, and the notes are models of learning, common sense, and clarity. The introduction, though lengthy, is a remarkable essay in itself, demonstrating exactly why this play has fascinated audiences and readers for 400 years. All serious students of Shakespeare will want this on their shelves.
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