All Formats & Editions

The authoritative edition of Richard II from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers.

The ill-fated reign of King Richard II and his eventual overthrow take center stage in one of Shakespeare's greatest history plays.

Written in 1595, Richard II occupies a significant place in the Shakespeare canon, marking the transition from the earlier history plays dominated by civil war and stark power to a more nuanced representation of the political conflicts of England's past where character and politics... Read Full Overview

Read Shakespeare's plays in all their brilliance--and understand what every word means

This moving and eloquent historical drama depicts the conflict between a willful and arrogant poet of a king, Richard II, and his politically pragmatic cousin, Bolingbroke. Rich with memorable scenes and speeches, this lyrical history moves from a splendid medieval tournament... Read Full Overview

Cambridge School Shakespeare offers an active approach to classroom Shakespeare, enabling students to inhabit Shakespeare's imaginative world in accessible and creative ways.

In this updated edition of King Richard II, Claire McEachern provides a fresh introductory section in which she discusses the most important productions and scholarly criticism of recent years. Paying particular attention to the focus on religion in contemporary interpretations... Read Full Overview

This edition of The Richard II is especially designed for students, with accessible on-page notes and explanatory illustrations, clear background information, and rigorous but accessible scholarly credentials. This edition includes illustrations, preliminary notes, reading lists... Read Full Overview

Written in 1595, Richard II occupies a significant place in the Shakespeare canon. It marks the transition from the earlier history plays dominated by civil war and stark power to a more nuanced representation of the political conflicts of England's past where character and politics... Read Full Overview

Not all the water in the rough rude sea/Can wash the balm off from an anointed king, declares the soon-to-be deposed ruler of this historical drama. Confident in his divine right, Richard II is an ineffective and unpopular king who abuses his power and sows the seeds of his own... Read Full Overview