Other editions of book Henry IV, Part II: By William Shakespeare - Illustrated

Henry IV, Part II is a History written by English playwright William Shakespeare, who is widely considered to be the greatest writer of the English language. Henry IV, Part II is a play about the reign of king Henry and focuses largely on his relationship with his son, Prince Hal. Henry IV, Part II is an important work of William Shakespeares, and is highly recommended for fans of his works as well as those discovering his plays for the first time.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) is the most influential writer in English history. Shakespeare has been called The Barb of Avon and England's national poet. There are 2 narrative poems, 154 sonnets and 38 plays in his collected works. He began work as an actor and writer in London first writing comedies and historic plays. He later wrote tragedies. Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth and Othello are some of his more famous plays. Shakespeare wrote a tetralogy covering the successive reigns of Richard II, Henry IV, (2 plays) and Henry V. The tetralogy is often referred to as the "Henriad," alluding to the 'epic' nature of the story and its similarity to the Iliad by Homer. Henry IV part 1 covers the period from the Hotspur's battle at Homildon and ends with the defeat of the rebels at Shrewsbury. Part 2 continues the story of Prince Hal. and his rejection of Falstaff. In part 2 the stories of Hal and Falstaff are separate. The atmosphere of the play focuses on the approaching death of Falstaff.

Hotspur is dead and a new rebellion against the king is forming, supported by his father the Earl of Northumberland. The moving continuation of King Henry IV Part 1 delves into a broad spectrum of society, from Falstaff and his shadowy associations to the nobility and high court. Prince Hal, though he has proven himself in battle, is still hanging around in bawdy taverns and keeping lowly company. His father fears he is entirely unsuited for kingship. But Hal matures, leaving behind his relationship with Falstaff, and reconciles with his dying father. Falstaff, meanwhile, has been sent to raise a scratch militia, meeting all kinds of comic characters in the country. Every bit as compelling as the first part, this drama embodies Shakespeare at the height of his writing maturity.