Henry V

First published in Quarto format in 1600 (the title page is shown above), Henry V follows on from the events of 2 Henry IV, as King Henry IV has died, and his son, formerly known as Prince Hal, has assumed the throne. It is the final play of Shakespeare’s second tetralogy: Richard II, Henry IV Part 1 and Henry IV Part 2 all preceded it.

The action of Henry V focuses on his successful invasion of France, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt. Earlier scenes show the preparation for the invasion, and throughout the play Henry delivers a number of insightful musings on the nature of kingship, ruling, and nationhood.

Although Henry V appears to be quite a patriotic, even nationalistic, and warmongering play, like all of Shakespeare it offers rich interpretative possibilities, and has been staged from a wide variety of political perspectives.

Henry V editions:

The Arden Shakespeare
The Oxford Shakespeare
The New Cambridge Shakespeare
Signet Classics Shakespeare