Henry IV

Henry IV,Part 2 is the only Shakespeare play that is a ΓÇ£sequelΓÇ¥ in the modern senseto an earlier play of his. Like most sequelsit repeats many elements from the previous workHenry IVPart 1. This play again puts on stage Henry IVΓÇÖs sonPrince Halwho continues to conceal his potential greatness by consorting with tavern dwellersincluding the witty Sir John Falstaff. As in Part 1Prince Hal and Falstaff seek to best each other in conversationwhile Falstaff tries to ingratiate himself with Hal and Hal disdains him. Part 2 adds some fresh charactersthe rural justices Shallow and Silence and ShallowΓÇÖs household. Political rebellionwhile important to the plotdoes not loom as large as in Part 1. There are no glorious champions; combat is replaced by deceptioncunningand treachery. The authoritative edition of Henry IVPart 2 from The Folger Shakespeare Librarythe trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readersincludes: -The exact text of the printed book for easy cross-reference -Hundreds of hypertext links for instant navigation -Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play -Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play -Scene-by-scene plot summaries -A key to the playΓÇÖs famous lines and phrases -An introduction to reading ShakespeareΓÇÖs language -An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play -Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare LibraryΓÇÖs vast holdings of rare books -An annotated guide to further reading Essay by A. R. Braunmuller The Folger Shakespeare Library in WashingtonDCis home to the worldΓÇÖs largest collection of ShakespeareΓÇÖs printed worksand a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the yearthe Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more informationvisit Folger.edu.