Henry V

Among the most well-loved of William Shakespeare’s history plays, Henry V is the gripping conclusion to the story of young ‘Prince Hal’ begun in Henry IV, edited by A R Humphreys with an introduction by Ann Kaegi.

‘We few, we happy few, we band of brothers For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother’ Young King Henry wages war on France. But, tainted by his father’s crimes, and with enemies among his own men, he must confront the difficult responsibilities of kingship. In rousing speeches, first at the siege of Harfleur where he urges his men ‘Once more into the breach’, and again on St Crispin’s Day before the Battle of Agincourt, Henry rallies the English troops to spectacular victories which change the course of history. But even with the battles won, the war is not yet over – for to make safe his success, Henry must secure a marriage with the French princess, Catherine of Valois. And can triumph in France prevent civil war in England?

This book includes a general introduction to Shakespeare’s life and the Elizabethan theatre, a separate introduction to Henry V, a chronology of his works, suggestions for further reading, an essay discussing performance options on both stage and screen, and a commentary.