I Henry IV (Norton Critical Editions)

Book Description

The text, with few departures, is that of the First Quarto (1598) edition of the play. Act and scene divisions are not indicated in the Quarto; those of the First Folio have been incorporated, with one exception: scene ii of Act V has been divided into two scenes, with the concluding scenes numbered accordingly. The Third Edition includes expanded annotations. "Contexts and Sources"includes dueling arguments on the play's completeness (one play or one half of a play?) and the naming of a central character (Falstaff or Oldcastle?). "Criticism" includes twenty-four essays—from E. M. W. Tillyard's classic argument of an ordered Shakespearean universe to Graham Holderness's rebuttal to Gus Van Sant's interview regarding 1 Henry IV as the inspiration for his cult film, My Own Private Idaho—nineteen of them new to the Third Edition. The Selected Bibliography has been thoroughly updated.

About the series: No other series of classic texts equals the caliber of the Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with the comprehensive pedagogical apparatus necessary to appreciate the work fully. Careful editing, first-rate translation, and thorough explanatory annotations allow each text to meet the highest literary standards while remaining accessible to students. Each edition is printed on acid-free paper and every text in the series remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice for excellence in scholarship for students at more than 2,000 universities worldwide.

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Excellent version of a great play

The making of a king (sort of)

the best

a wonderful edition

about time!

King Henry IV, Part 1 (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Arden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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King Henry IV, Part 2 (Arden Shakespeare: Second Series)

King Richard II (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)

King Henry V (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)

King Lear (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)

Twelfth Night (Arden Shakespeare: Second Series)

ASIN: 1904271359

Book Description

David Scott Kastan lucidly explores the remarkable richness and the ambitious design of King Henry IV Part 1 and shows how these complicate any easy sense of what kind of play it is. Conventionally regarded as a history play, much of it is in fact conspicuously invented fiction, and Kastan argues that the non-historical, comic plot does not simply parody the historical action but by its existence raises questions about the very nature of history. The full and engaging introduction devotes extensive discussion to the play's language, indicating how its insistent economic vocabulary provides texture for the social concerns of the play and focuses attention on the central relationship between value and political authority.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent version of a great play.......2007-09-03

The play needs no commentary by me. This edition is impressive. This is the first Arden Third Series play I've read, and I find it better overall than any other commented version I've used. I bought the Arden Second Series of Henry IV, Part 2, because we're going to both plays this weekend, and the Third Series is not out yet. I was surprised how much better the Third Series is. The typography and layout make it easier to read than any other footnoted edition I've read. The notes are on the same page as the text, where they are easy to refer to, but they are in a smaller font size and in two columns, which differentiates them from the text and makes them less distracting. The headings of the notes are bold, rather than italic, which makes them quicker to locate. The text notes, of interest only to specialists, are in an even smaller font and have been moved to the bottom of the page. The result is that the extensive notes are readily accessible when I need them, yet minimally distracting when I don't.

The Introduction is long, but interesting and helpful. Being no expert, I don't judge this editor's views and choices against those of others, but his reasoning is plausible and his approach seems down-to-earth, giving what seems like appropriate weight to the commercial motives and dynamic nature of dramas.

The notes explain more than some readers need, but that's better than explaining too little for newcomers to Shakespeare.

The illustrations are interesting, and some are helpful. The map of places mentioned and the genealogies should be in every edition. The List of Roles is followed by two pages of notes about the characters. This is very helpful in keeping track of the characters, which is much harder to do when reading than when watching actors play the roles.

A cavil: I like the old-fashioned way of dealing with words ending in -ed, showing in the text when the e is stressed or elided. In this version, "unfamiliar typographic conventions have been avoided in order to minimize obstacles to the reader," and pronunciations are shown in the notes if they differ from modern usage. For me, this is more awkward than the old way, with the -'d or -èd right in the text.

The making of a king (sort of).......2006-08-16

Following the plot of "Richard II", this play finds the usurper Bolingbroke, now King Henry IV, surrounded by enemies. In the beginning, Henry IV has a facedown with his former allies, Northumberland, Worcester and Hotspurs. They even regret having helped Bolingbroke to the throne. So, instead of going ahead with the king's plans for a new Crusade in the Middle East, Henry and his remaining allies have to face civil war. Due to the illegal way in which he acquired the crown, Henry feels insecure in the throne. Moreover, he has an other poignant source of worries: his eldest son and heir, Prince Hal, is not exactly a model of a young man. Instead of showing an interest in State affairs, he spends his time with a band of friends, led by the ineffable and immensely comic Sir John Falstaff. These rogues drink and womanize too much, but that wouldn't be much of a problem if they didn't assault travellers and commit other sort of criminal activities. King Henry IV scolds Hal for this behavior just when they have a war going on. Hal decides to mend his ways and join his father. Meanwhile, Falstaff is in charge of getting new recruits, but the quality of the latter suffers much when the fat rogue takes bribes from the best in order to escape service. Finally, Henry's party achieves an important (though not definitive) victory and Hal gains his father's respect, among other things, by saving him from a wound. But as they say, stay tuned, for this story continues in the second part.

Note that the major character in this and the next play is Falstaff himself, a man of undoubtedly bad behavior, but impossible not to like. Falstaff incarnates the Dyonisiac impulse, the joys of the flesh, and a free spirit devoid of any lust for power or glory. While the warrior Hotspur uplifts death and glory, Falstaff asks for more life. For his part, Hal has discovered the adrenaline of war and power and his character is about to change.

the best.......2003-10-31

Ardens are the best editions; this is the best of the new generation of Ardens--and it is a great play.

a wonderful edition.......2003-10-10

If you want a scholarly edition of the play, this is the one: the introduction is an extended and brilliant essay on the play; the text is clearly presented, and the commentary full and useful; and the book itself is attractive and easy to use. It is perfect for teachers, grad. students, advanced undergraduates, and actors and directors involved with the play.

about time!.......2003-09-13

Arden's are always wonderful but the Henry IV was almost 50 years old--at last there is a new edition and it was actually worth the wait! This is one of the best editions of any Shakespeare play I have ever seen. A must for any high school or college library. A must for any lover of Shakespeare.

Shakespeare Set Free: Teaching Hamlet and Henry IV, Part 1 (Teaching Hamlet & Henry IV, Vol. 2)

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Outstanding teaching resource
A very good teaching resource.

Shakespeare Set Free: Teaching Hamlet and Henry IV, Part 1 (Teaching Hamlet & Henry IV, Vol. 2)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671760483

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding teaching resource.......2000-05-16

I found this book to be useful in getting across the ideas in Hamlet and Henry IV. The activities are directly related to understanding the text. Instructions are written out to the letter, and a number of outside resources are suggested. This has been one of the most useful aid I have used in teaching either play. The ideas are clear and inventive. My students responded positively to the activities that I used from this book and came away with a clear understanding of plot, characterization, and language.

The only negative comment I have is O'Brien can get a little flighty once and awhile. In truth, however, she gets to and stays with the point better in this book than in any of her others. I find myself going back to this text to supplement her others. She stretches a bit too far into the artistic than my taste allows, and I don't feel that she goes into enough detail in some parts of Hamlet, but these are things that are easily supplemented. Nevertheless, this book sets up the premise for teaching in a very effective way.

Once again, this is learning through movement and acting. No wallflowers or shrinking violets allowed.

A very good teaching resource........1999-02-17

I found in teaching Shakespeare that this book was very valuable. It allows the teacher to combine both drama and literature into one lesson. Students have a remarkable response to its techniques. They seem more interested and have longer retention of the material. The variety of exercises that are written out for you appeal to a number different kinds of learners; especially my resource students. I find the book a valuable aid either as supplemental material, or as a lesson planner in-and-of itself.

Average customer rating:

Awesome study tool!

King Henry IV, Part 1 (Cliffs Complete)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Cliffs Notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764585703

Book Description

In the CliffsComplete guides, the novel's complete text and a glossary appear side-by-side with coordinating numbered lines to help you understand unusual words and phrasing. You'll also find all the commentary and resources of a standard CliffsNotes for Literature.

CliffsComplete King Henry IV, Part 1 follows the play's alternating comic and serious scenes as a young prince rebels against his father, who happens to be king, until he must go to the king's aid to stamp out the rebellion of nobles.

Discover a story of self-sacrifice and meet one of the theatre's most enduring comic characters, Falstaff — and save valuable studying time — all at once. Enhance your reading of King Henry IV with these additional features:

A summary and insightful commentary for each chapter
Bibliography and historical background on the author, William Shakespeare
A look at Early Modern England intellectual, religious, political, and social context
Coverage of key themes and use of language within the work
A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
Review questions, a quiz, discussion guide, and activity ideas
A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Web sites

Streamline your literature study with all-in-one help from CliffsComplete guides!

Customer Reviews:

Awesome study tool!.......2004-08-04

For my International Baccalaureate high school degree, I had to read King Henry IV for my English class. At first, I couldn't make head or tail of what was happening, but after buying this book all the meanings and symbolism came to me. I began to enjoy King Henry IV, and enjoyed it so much that I even went on to read The Merchant of Venice!

This book provides the play script in Shakespearean english, but provides a running dictionary beside the text in order to provide the meanings of all those old words and phrases. At the end of each scene, a summary of the plot, its importance, and a general commentary is provided. The easy to read text is a bonus.

Henry IV, Part 1 (Shakespeare Made Easy)

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Falstaff and Richard II's Consolation Prize.
History as Art
Two sweeping plays where comedy and history join.
The two sides of Hal
The better part of valor

Henry IV, Part 1 (Shakespeare Made Easy)
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812035852

Book Description

Here are the books that help teach Shakespeare plays without the teacher constantly needing to explain and define Elizabethan terms, slang, and other ways of expression that are different from our own. Each play is presented with Shakespeare's original lines on each left-hand page, and a modern, easy-to-understand "translation" on the facing right-hand page. All dramas are complete, with every original Shakespearian line, and a full-length modern rendition of the text.

Customer Reviews:

Falstaff and Richard II's Consolation Prize........2006-07-15

In "Richard II," Bolingbroke usurped Richard II's crown and became King Henry IV. In "1 Henry IV," King Henry IV stopped the rebellion by Hostspur, Worcester, and Vernon. But his enemy Northumberland is still out there. And this brings us to the present chapter "2 Henry IV." Despite the title, the real star of this play is Falstaff. In "1 Henry IV' Falstaff had a moderate roll. The learned Isaac Asimov was of the opinion that Shakespeare got more than he bargained for with his Falstaff and realized he could write a play with Falstaff as the prominent character. One minor complaint I have is that while Falstaff probably could handle a play, some of the scenes with him seem drawn out. Northumberland reappears and he is of course sad over the death of his son Hotspur. (Slain by Prince Henry in Part 1.) We also meet the Arch Bishop of York who becomes an enemy of Henry IV. The Arch Bishop delivers a striking passage that emphasizes that the past and to come always seem better than the present. In Act 2, we quickly learn that Falstaff has built up some debts and that he is neglecting his duties to the king. (Big surprise!) Prince Henry is a backstage player for the early part of the play, but rather than being close to Falstaff (as in Part 1), he bitterly rebukes Falstaff for his style of life. Also, Prince Henry expresses some sorrow over his father's failing health. But he is afraid he will be seen as a hypocrite if he shows it. (Many people in his position wouldn't be able to wait to wear the crown.) Interestingly, a woman named Doll begins to find Falstaff attractive. King Henry IV does not enter until Act 3.1, and we can see that the rebellions have taken their toll on him. He is having insomnia and he can only talk about the tribulations of his crown. It is even possible that he feels he deserves his afflictions. Later, Falstaff gathers his men together in a well drawn comical scene. Westmoreland and Henry IV's son Lancaster defeat the rebellion of the Arch Bishop of York, Mowbray, and Hastings in a less than honorable way. But this is not an invention of Shakespeare. It really happened. In the comical 4.3, Coleville surrenders to our favorite fat rogue Falstaff. It is on the funny side when Falstaff comments that Lancaster is so uptight because he doesn't drink. But the sad part of the play returns soon enough. Despite the fact that Henry IV 's enemies have been defeated, Henry IV's health has failed, and he doesn't have much more of a reign to enjoy. (And if you follow my reviews, this constitutes a small consolation prize to King Richard II.) The scene where King Henry IV admits his crimes, begs God's forgiveness, and wishes the eventual Henry V well is one of Shakespeare's greatest moments. I always liked how in "Richard II," Henry IV was a young and energetic usurper, and then in "1 Henry IV" he was portrayed as somewhat more heroic and a likable king, and in "2 Henry IV" he was portrayed as a sorrowful and penitent man. Some people dislike Henry V for banishing Falstaff, but the truth is Henry V has little choice. Falstaff's actions (as comical and entertaining as they are) are flat out criminal. Though Shakespeare did not keep the epilogue's word by putting Falstaff in "Henry V," he would eventually reappear in "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

History as Art .......2005-10-30

The young Hal and his instructor in the art of living the good life , Falstaff cavort through the first half of Henry IV as if life were going to be one long , irresponsible entertainment. The dramatic transformation of all of this , and Hal's casting off of Falstaff, and moving to kingly responsibility will come in the Henry IV Part II.
What is present here throughout is the tremendous richness of Shakespeare's imagination in his creation of character, and inventiveness in language , in his ability to create so many different moods and feelings.
'Falstaff' is one of Shakespeare's most beloved characters, and one of the great figures in the Comedy of world literature.
Enjoy.

Two sweeping plays where comedy and history join........2005-01-22

I am actually reviewing both Parts One and Two with this since they should be read together.The reason why I enjoyed these plays so much is because we see Falstaff in both of them. He is my favourite Shakespearean character - big, bawdy, rough, a liar and a cheat, but again we know what he is right from the beginning, and Shakespeare keeps him so true to character. These plays are a bit different from some of the other histories. There are more comedic parts in them for one thing. The plays are certainly used as a medium for introducing young Hal (who will become King Henry V). We see him as a young man, and watch him grow and see the influences that his society and the people in it have on his development. He doesn't appear to be growing up well according to his father because he is so irresponsible. King Henry IV was not England's strongest ruler. He was haunted by his guilt over the death of his predecessor, King Richard II. In Part Two, comedy still plays a big role, and we still see Falstaff's influence on young Hal until the shocking moment of Falstaff's death. The best part about Part Two though is the deathbed scene between old King Henry IV and his son Prince Henry. The play leads us to "King Henry V". Prince Hal does finally grow up and he becomes a very strong leader. Actually King Henry Iv, Parts one and two should be read before King Henry V. It is the correct sequence and we see Prince Hal grow and mature.

The two sides of Hal.......2004-07-30

Henry IV remains one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, even though the tragedies and comedies get far more attention and seeming appreciation than do the histories. As an English major, I examined Henry's (Hal's) character, and I focused on his development from a somewhat foolhardy young man into a self-assured, even manipulative prince. It is hard to say which of these Hal truly is, or if he is a little bit of both.

At the beginning of the play, Hal spends his free time cavorting around with his friend Falstaff (who provides all of the laughs in the play and is cited as one of the best comic characters in all literature). In the first act we already see hints in Hal's sololiquy that he may not be as carefree as we are led to believe, and that he might betray friends like Falstaff to be the prince that he is expected to be. Read on in "Henry V" to see just how much of a polished politician Hal becomes--his battle cries and his "once more unto the breech, dear friends" is masterful in its persuasiveness and ability to induce his countrymen to fight.

Hotspur serves as a nice counterpoint to Hal in "Henry IV." Hotspur is the hothead and Hal makes his decisions calmly and rationally. This almost inhuman rationality comes into play again in "Henry V" and makes you long for the seemingly carefree Hal.

All in all, "Henry IV" is a great read and quite an interesting character study--I highly recommend it!

The better part of valor.......2004-05-11

In Part One of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," the titular king tries to defend his throne from a rebel army led by the hotheaded Hotspur, who has a long list of grievances about the king's treatment of his family, the Percys. Hotspur has allied himself with several principal figures including his uncle the Earl of Worcester, his brother-in-law Mortimer the Earl of March, Lord Douglas the Scot, and Owen Glendower, a Welsh chieftain with a vivid mystical imagination -- he is so egotistical that he insists an earthquake that occurred the day of his birth was a divine proclamation of his importance -- and a desire to usurp all of Wales from the king.

While he is preparing for war against the rebels, Henry IV laments that his own son Henry (Hal), the Prince of Wales, is a shameful libertine living the high life in London and consorting with a gang of scurrilous miscreants. Indeed, Prince Hal's idea of fun is robbing people, and his best friend and accomplice in this activity is Sir John Falstaff, who turns out to be not Hal's peer but a middle-aged man. In a character transformation of an abruptness that can only be described as magical, Hal becomes a serious young man determined loyally to defend his father's kingship from Hotspur's assault after he receives an earnest lecture from his father about the dangers of acting irresponsibly as a public figure.

Not enough can be said about Falstaff, who is undoubtedly one of the most richly realized characters in literature. He is fat, lazy, cowardly, yet boastful, but not in the same way Owen Glendower is -- Owen really believes what he says; Falstaff is just trying to make himself look better than he actually is, but fools nobody because he prevaricates and embellishes without bothering to remember his previous lies for the sake of consistency. You probably know somebody like this in real life -- especially if you're ten years old. Falstaff's piquancy, in fact, so outweighs the stature of the other characters that his absence is sorely felt in the scenes in which he does not appear.

Book Description

This popular play entertains and inspires in alternating comic scenes and serious ones and is the birthplace of one of the theater's greatest characters, Sir John Falstaff. Young Prince Hal rebels against his father the king until he must go to the king's aid to stamp out the rebellion of nobles.

Customer Reviews:

It was still hard to understand. Some parts did help me tho.......1999-02-16

Overall, I would rate this book a failure because it made me more confused about the play than actually reading it outloud like it was meant to be. I wish I would have never spend the money on it.

Henry IV Part 1: Oxford School Shakespeare

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Henry IV Part 1: Oxford School Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198320582

Book Description

The Oxford School Shakespeare is a well-established series which helps students understand and enjoy Shakespeare's plays. As well as the complete and unabridged text, each play in this series has an extensive range of students' notes. These include detailed and clear explanations of difficult words and passages, a synopsis of the plot, summaries of individual scenes, and notes on the main characters. Also included is a wide range of questions and activities for work in class, together with the historical background to Shakespeare's England, a brief biography of Shakespeare, and a complete list of his plays. Roma Gill, the series editor, has taught Shakespeare at all levels. She has acted in and directed Shakespeare's plays, and has lectured on Shakespeare all over the world.

York Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Henry IV, Part 1" (Longman Literature Guides)

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York Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Henry IV, Part 1" (Longman Literature Guides)
A.Norman Jeffares , and Suheil Badi Bushrui
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0582022703

Brodie's Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Henry IV, Part 1" (Brodie's Notes)

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Brodie's Notes on William Shakespeare's "King Henry IV, Part 1" (Brodie's Notes)
Norman T. Carrington
Manufacturer: Macmillan Education Australia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0330501933

Cliffs Notes King Henry IV Part 1 - Study Notes - Study Notes

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Cliffs Notes King Henry IV Part 1 - Study Notes - Study Notes
C K Hillegass
Manufacturer: CLIFFS NOTES INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TXHLHI

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