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Shakespeare's Kings

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( 524 ratings, 57 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shakespeare's Kings by John Julius Norwich explores the historical context behind Shakespeare's history plays, delving into the real-life events that inspired the playwright. The book combines literary analysis with historical narrative, shedding light on the political intrigue and significant figures from the Wars of the Roses to the end of the Tudor period. Norwich provides a detailed examination of how Shakespeare dramatized these events, offering insights into both the theatre and the true history of the time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring the fascinating interplay between history and literature, as it delves into the real-life events and historical figures that inspired some of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Exploring the drama and intrigue of English kings, it offers insights into how the Bard wove historical narratives into his legendary works.

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A new edition of the fascinating exploration of the people and events that inspired Shakespeare's history plays, previously published in Faber Finds.

A new edition of the fascinating exploration of the people and events that inspired Shakespeare's history plays, previously published in Faber Finds.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In a sparkling, fast-paced narrative, Shakespeare's Kings chronicles the turbulent events that inspired Shakespeare's history plays, from Edward III to Richard III.

In a time of uncertainty and incessant warfare—when the crown was constantly contested, alliances were made and broken, and the people rose up in revolt—this was the raw material that inspired Shakespeare's dramas. But what really happened between 1337 and 1485? Where did history stop and drama begin?

John Julius Norwich establishes just how real Shakespeare's characters and events are and what liberties he took with the facts to entertain his audience.

Shakespeare's Kings is an illuminating companion to history and to the richness of Shakespeare's imagination, with a body of work which still shapes our view of the past today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shakespeare's Kings by John Julius Norwich blends historical analysis with Shakespearean drama, offering an engaging exploration of England's monarchs featured in Shakespeare's plays. Readers appreciate the way Norwich combines deep historical insight with accessible storytelling, providing context to Shakespeare's portrayal of these rulers. Some reviewers note that the book serves as a valuable companion for understanding both the historical and theatrical aspects of these iconic figures.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571340255

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 May 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 405g

Pages: 512

About the Author

John Julius Norwich, born in 1929, took a degree in French and Russian at New College, Oxford. In 1952 he joined the Foreign Service at the embassies in Belgrade and Beirut and with the British delegation to the Disarmament Conference at Geneva. In 1964 he resigned from the service in order to write. His many publications include A History of Venice and Byzantium and the New York Times bestseller Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy.

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