'This, from the historical tragedies, is the Tragedy ... the most lyrical that Shakespeare ever wrote' Simon Schama. The old King Henry IV, sick and tired, must send his forces - including the unruly Falstaff - to face another rebellion that threatens to bring the country to the brink of civil war. But as the conflict grows, he must also face a more personal problem - how to get his troubled son, Prince Hal, to accept his duty as heir and leave his companions behind. Juxtaposing youth with age, son with father, carefree hope with the realities of governance, this is an elegiac dramatic narrative full of pathos and regret.

Used and recommended by the National Theatre. General Editor: Stanley Wells. Edited by: Peter Davison. Introduction: Adrian Poole.

Pages: 352, Dimensions: 13x13cm.