· Pocket-sized A format editions with a newly designed page, featuring only Shakespeare's words and all critical apparatus appearing at the front and back of the books
· With a new general introduction to Shakespeare's life and the Elizabethan theatre by Stanley Wells and a new introduction to the play by one of one of today's leading Shakespeare scholars
· Also features a new essay on the play in performance on stage and screen, a chronology of Shakespeare's works, further reading and a commentary
· Used and recommended by the National Theatre
· Backed by a massive national marketing and publicity campaign - in collaboration with the National Theatre. Kicking off with Shakespeare's birthday on 23rd April and Nick Hytner's new production of Henry IV, Parts One and Two (starring Michael Gambon) at the start of their 2005 £10 season
Under the rule of King John, England is forced into war when the French challenge the legitimacy of John's claim to the throne and determine to install his nephew Arthur in his place. But political principles, hypocritically flaunted, are soon forgotten, as the French and English kings form an alliance based on cynical self-interest. And as the desire to cling to power dominates England's paranoid and weak-willed king, his country is threatened with disaster.