"King Henry V"

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Not counting the complete works I own, this is the second copy of King Henry V that I've purchased. I purchased it specifically because it was the Arden edition. I have their complete works and I have read copies of Arden editions of other Shakespeare plays and share the high opinion of some of my colleagues that turned these editions on to me. The editors include insightful, illuminating and clear discussions on matters germaine to Shakespeare in general and specific to the play. Not only is King Henry V one of my favorite of Shakespeare's history plays I am also going to be participating in a production of it next summer and this will be helpful in my research. Everything is consistent with Arden's other editions. The play itself is a powerful and timeless parable and discussion of war that can and has resonated for hundreds of years. It contains some of Shakespeare's most beautiful warrior poetry and is a joy to read. That being said, I am one of those that believe Shakespeare is ultimately meant to be performed and is best taken in viewing or hearing the lines performed as opposed to reading them alone, This play satisfies so fully on both. It includes some of Shakespeare's greatest monologues and some of his most charming comic relief characters.

Returned because I didn’t need. But it is a good book.

There's not much else to say about Shakespeare except to say that I don't think any other publisher enhances the experience for the non-scholar like Arden does. I will not read any other editions. So, of course, to me, they both merit 5 stars.I do have one gripe, however. I fail to see the charm and humor of Falstaff. From what I've read, the Elizabethans were wild about him and could not get enough. I just don't get it. To me, he is a smarmy, lazy, immoral conniver who does not entertain. I just can't get past his faults and their effects on others to enjoy him the way the Elizabethan's, apparently, did. I've been reading the histories in order and he did not die soon enough for me.

Una muy buena edición, con anotaciones que aclaran pasajes más difíciles y una buena introducción.