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King John by William Shakespeare

King John

William Shakespeare

Start Publishing PD · Print & ebook · May 8, 2024

A Shakespeare pick for readers exploring King John.

British & Irish PlaysShakespeareMedieval Britain (1066-1485)political
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Who it’s for
King John pairs dynastic conflict with the pleasure of Shakespeare’s pointed, unsettling wit.
Genres
Shakespeare, Medieval Britain (1066-1485), British & Irish Plays
Published
Start Publishing PD, May 8, 2024

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For younger readers: Stories From Le Morte D'arthur and the Mabinogion, An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason, The Squire's Quest

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About this book

War and Betrayal--France threatens war with England unless King John renounces his claim to the throne in favor of his nephew Arthur. John refuses and war ensues. John is excommunicated by the Pope and his nephew Arthur dies under mysterious circumstances. Well whiles I am a beggar I will rail And say there is no sin but to be rich;And being rich my virtue then shall be To say there is no vice but beggary!

Power and Wit

King John pairs dynastic conflict with the pleasure of Shakespeare’s pointed, unsettling wit.

Come here for

  • Shakespearean power struggles and a claim to the English throne
  • Political conflict sharpened by a memorable jab at wealth and virtue

Expect

  • War, betrayal, excommunication, and a nephew’s mysterious death
  • A brisk collision of royal authority and moral self-interest

Where it sits

Shakespeare98%
Medieval Britain (1066-1485)58%
British & Irish Plays50%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Shakespeare
  • Shakespeare Studies
  • Theater
Authors
William Shakespeare
Publisher
Start Publishing PD
Published
May 8, 2024
Format
Print & ebook
Reading lane
Shakespeare