King Henry V (Shakespeare in Production) - Hardcover

Shakespeare, William

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521594286 ISBN 13: 9780521594288

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2002

Synopsis

This is the first stage history of Shakespeare's King Henry V to cover the play's theatrical life since its first performance in 1599. Staging this play has always been a political act, and the substantial introduction traces its theatrical interventions into conflicts from the Napoleonic Wars to Vietnam and the Falklands crisis, offering a complete account of the play's fortunes: from its absence in the seventeenth century to its dominant position as historical spectacle in the Victorian period, through twentieth-century productions, which include the popular films by Olivier and Branagh. Together they raise vital interpretative questions: is Henry V an epic of English nationalism, a knowing and cynical piece of power politics, or an anti-war manifesto? The volume also includes the play text, illustrations and detailed footnotes about major performances.

About this title

Review:

'I cannot recommend too highly the whole series (a bargain at £16.99 for each play) to all theatre lovers, theatregoers, theatre practitioners, and anybody who enjoys Shakespeare.' Robert Tanitch, What's on in London

Book Description:

This stage history of Shakespeare's King Henry V covers the play's theatrical life since 1599. The Introduction traces stage and film versions of this political play and provokes questions: is it an epic of English nationalism, a knowing and cynical piece of power politics, or an anti-war manifesto?

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0521594286
• ISBN 13: 9780521594288
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 260
• Editor: Smith Emma