King John (Folger Shakespeare Library)

King John (Folger Shakespeare Library)

Like most of Shakespeare€s history plays, <i>King John</i> presents a struggle for the English crown. The struggle this time, however, is strikingly cold-blooded and brutal.<br> <br>John, the younger brother of the late Richard I, is the king, and a savage one. His opponent is a boy, his nephew Arthur, supported by the King of France and the Duke of Austria. After Arthur falls into John€s hands, John plots to torture him. Arthur€s capture gives Louis, the Dauphin of France, the opportunity to lay claim to John€s crown. John€s nobles support Louis, but he schemes to betray them.<br> <br>The play finds its hero in another figure: the Bastard, Sir Richard Plantagenet, an illegitimate son of Richard I. Although he has an appetite for war, he also has a strong conscience and speaks with trenchant irony.<br> <br>The authoritative edition of <i>King John</i> from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:<br> <br>-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play<br> -Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play<br> -Scene-by-scene plot summaries<br> -A key to the play€s famous lines and phrases<br> -An introduction to reading Shakespeare€s language<br> -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play<br> -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library€s vast holdings of rare books<br> -An annotated guide to further reading<br> <br>Essay by Deborah T. Curren-Aquino<br> <br>The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world€s largest collection of Shakespeare€s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.