Description

This volume brings together a selection of Shakespeare’s early histories and tragedies, spotlighting a play that often sits on the margins of the canon. Listeners will encounter the raw energy of the original text, complete with the quirks and shifts that emerged as the work moved from stage to print. The opening pages trace the tangled publication history, revealing how titles and prefaces evolved to meet the tastes of both theatre‑goers and early readers.

Edited by two seasoned scholars from Cambridge, the edition balances scholarly rigor with accessibility. Detailed notes compare the surviving quarto and folio versions, pointing out the most significant textual differences without overwhelming the audience. Throughout, the editors provide concise explanations that illuminate Shakespeare’s language and the play’s early reception.

The narration preserves the rhythm of the original verse while guiding the listener through the historical context. With clear, unobtrusive commentary woven in, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the play’s place in the Shakespearean corpus and the fascinating journey of its early printed life.

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