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William Shakespeare, Paul Werstine, Barbara A. Mowat: King John (2020, Simon & Schuster)

352 pages

English language

Published Nov. 7, 2020 by Simon & Schuster.

ISBN:
978-1-9821-6746-2
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3 stars (1 review)

43 editions

Review of 'King John' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Thus begins my reading of the so-called "History" plays of one William Shakespeare. Some I have read before, the others have been put off indefinitely...until now! So let us dive in...at the "beginning". Not the earlier plays that Shakespeare wrote, but rather the first play on a historical chronology: King John.

King John is based on that infamous king of England whose rule was so fantastic the Magna Carta was drafted as a result and King John would forever be the effeminate antagonist of Robin Hood. Neither appear in this "middle period" play, for Shakespeare is more concerned with questions of royal legitimacy and global politics.

King John is reigning as king when an emissary from those filthy French who challenges John's right to the throne. The French wish to install John's nephew, Arthur, as the lawful King of England. They are welling to invade England, if need be! John …