Henry VIII by William Shakespeare is a captivating historical tragedy depicting a pivotal moment in the Tudor dynasty and the events that marked the beginning of the English Reformation. This edition from Penguin Shakespeare is edited by A.R. Humphreys, with an introduction by C.M.S. Alexander.

The court of Henry VIII is filled with plots and intrigues, with the execution of the Duke of Buckingham for treason, having been deceived by his enemy, Cardinal Wolsey. When the king falls in love with Anne Boleyn and decides to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, he causes an irreparable rift with the Catholic Church. After his secret marriage to Anne, courtiers rise and fall from favor, resulting in deaths with long-lasting consequences.

The book includes a general introduction to Shakespeare's life and the Elizabethan theatrical world, a separate introduction for Henry VIII, chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay discussing stage and screen production choices, and commentary.

If you liked Henry VIII, you might also enjoy Richard II, also available in the Penguin Shakespeare series.

"If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare."
— William Hazlitt

Pages: 304, Dimensions: 13x13cm