The First Part of King Henry the Fourth

By William Shakespeare

This memorable historical drama concerns rebellion against King Henry led by Harry Percy ("Hotspur") and other nobles, complicated by the king's difficulties with his wayward son, Prince Hal. It features a superb blend of courtly intrigue, battlefield action, and low comedy featuring Sir John Falstaff, all expressed in fine blank verse and stirring prose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Start Publishing LLC
• Release date: Apr 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781625589958

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is the world's greatest ever playwright. Born in 1564, he split his time between Stratford-upon-Avon and London, where he worked as a playwright, poet and actor. In 1582 he married Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of fifty-two, leaving three children—Susanna, Hamnet and Judith. The rest is silence.

Reviews for The First Part of King Henry the Fourth

[leslie398 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I must seek out a performance (either live or video) of this play to judge it better. I have difficulty with Shakespeare's language and ended up resorting to Sparknotes' "No Fear Shakespeare" in order to follow what was happening. Falstaff didn't strike me as humorous at all but Shakespeare's comic relief is another thing I struggle with unless I see it in performance.

[jpsnow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So many insults -- so much confusion -- intertwined scenes primarily of battle sights and brothels -- Falstaff: Zounds, will they not rob us. -- the problems of becoming King by force.