Henry V tells the story of Henry of Monmouth, now King Henry V. This play stands as the final part of Henriad tetralogy and presents the transformation of the main character from a wild, undisciplined young man to the young prince who has matured. The story focuses on an expedition to France led by Henry V in which his army although widely outnumbered defeats the French at Agincourt.

The authoritative edition of William Shakespeare’s historic play Henry V from the Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for both students and general readers. Henry V is Shakespeare’s most famous “war play”; it includes the storied English victory over the French at Agincourt. Some of it glorifies war, especially the choruses and Henry’s speeches urging his troops into battle. But we also hear bishops conniving for war to postpone a bill that would tax the church, and soldiers expecting to reap profits from the conflict. Even in the speeches of Henry and his nobles, there are many chilling references to the human cost of war. The authoritative edition of Henry V from the Folger Shakespeare Library includes: –Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play –Newly revised explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play –Scene-by-scene plot summaries –A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases –An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language –An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play –Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books –An up-to-date annotated guide to further reading –An essay by Catherine Belsey The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the folder offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

This handsomely illustrated series presents Shakespeare in such a lively and accessible manner that students and young readers will find themselves wishing to read all his plays. Readers learn to enjoy these immortal works as they follow the story, get to know the characters, and explore the historical background of each play. Packed with color illustrations and portraits of the main characters, and enhanced with quotations, these are eye-opening introductions for students as well as valuable tools for teachers.