Henry VI

This name covers Shakespeare's three history plays on the reign of Henry VI, written in the early 1590s. Together they run from the death of Henry V and the loss of French territories, through the quarrels of Gloucester, Winchester, and Somerset, to York's claim, the Cade revolt, the Wars of the Roses, the rise of Queen Margaret and Warwick, and the emergence of Richard of Gloucester. The king is pious and weak; nobles fight over the crown and the remaining French lands. The plays are a chronicle cycle of civil war, not a single tragedy focused on one hero. Editions and productions may issue the parts separately.

Bound in blue cloth cover blocked with a feather design in black and silver. Mottled grey three-volume slipcase.