Shakespeare’s Kings
Shakespeare’s Kings by John Julius Norwich, published by Penguin in 2000, offers a detailed exploration of the historical events that inspired Shakespeare’s history plays. Spanning 466 pages, this edition delves into significant occurrences such as the War of the Roses and the Battle of Bosworth, highlighting how these events shaped the narratives within Shakespeare’s works. Norwich examines the interplay between fact and dramatic license, providing insights into the political and military contexts that influenced Shakespeare’s storytelling.
Readers will find a thorough analysis of the century and a half covered by Shakespeare’s plays, from Edward III to Richard III. The book illuminates the intricate dynamics of the period, addressing the artistic and practical considerations that guided Shakespeare’s interpretations of history. With a focus on the themes of power and legacy, this work serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the intersections of history and literature, particularly within the context of English drama.
Official synopsis Publisher
The War of the Roses, the Battle of Bosworth, and the Princes in the Tower; the century and a half covered by Shakespeare’s history plays – from the recently authenticated Edward III and Richard III -is so full of incident that dramatic licence might seem unnecessary. But as this survey of the period shows, Shakespeare’s dramas – which have influenced popular history for centuries – are prone to depart from the facts. By illuminating the enthralling political, military and dynastic events which supplied the raw material for the greatest dramatist in the English language, and the artistic, political and practical considerations that determined his approach to that material, John Julius Norwich does a great service both to lovers of traditional narrative history, and to all those interested in Shakespeare and his work.
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