
KING JOHN
Enriched edition. Including The Classic Biography: The Life of William ShakespeareBy William Shakespeare, Sidney LeeLength16h 36m
About this audiobook
KING JOHN, an anthology meticulously composed by William Shakespeare and edited by Sidney Lee, encapsulates a confluence of dramatic narration and historical analysis. This collection, beyond merely presenting the text of Shakespeare's lesser-studied play, includes critical essays and annotations which explore the complex themes of legitimacy, power, and human frailty. The editorial guidance of Lee ensures a diversity in approach and interpretation, offering readers both traditional and contemporary perspectives on the text. The anthology excels not only in its literary richness but also in its ability to present a cohesive narrative through a multitude of stylistic lenses, thus reframing an oft-overlooked play within a broader literary and cultural context. The contributors, led by Sidney Lee, are scholars and historians whose deep engagement with Elizabethan and Jacobean drama add layers of depth to the understanding of KING JOHN. Their collective expertise spans several areas, including historical linguistics, political history, and literary criticism, aligning the anthology with scholarly discussions on the nature of leadership and morality. This collected work, therefore, serves not only as a literary exploration but also as a cultural and historical discourse, reflecting on the enduring influence of Shakespeare's works. KING JOHN is recommended for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Shakespearean drama who seek to delve deeply into the intricacies of one of Shakespeare's more enigmatic plays. The anthology offers a unique educational experience by combining critical essays with the original text, enriched by the diverse scholarly voices of the editors and contributors. This book invites readers to engage in a comprehensive reflection on the play's themes, enhanced by expert analysis, fostering a richer understanding and ongoing dialogue about the work's relevance and interpretation.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- An Introduction draws the threads together, discussing why these diverse authors and texts belong in one collection.
- Historical Context explores the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped these works, offering insight into the shared (or contrasting) eras that influenced each writer.
- A combined Synopsis (Selection) briefly outlines the key plots or arguments of the included pieces, helping readers grasp the anthology's overall scope without giving away essential twists.
- A collective Analysis highlights common themes, stylistic variations, and significant crossovers in tone and technique, tying together writers from different backgrounds.
- Reflection questions encourage readers to compare the different voices and perspectives within the collection, fostering a richer understanding of the overarching conversation.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 3.6 (45)
Includes Goodreads
GenreLiterary Classics
Length16 hrs 36 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 6, 2017
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1KING JOHN
2Introduction
3Historical Context
4Synopsis (Selection)
5King John
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6ACT IV.
7ACT V.
8PREFACE
9I—PARENTAGE AND BIRTH
10II—CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION, AND MARRIAGE
11III—THE FAREWELL TO STRATFORD
12IV—ON THE LONDON STAGE
13V.—EARLY DRAMATIC EFFORTS
14VI—THE FIRST APPEAL TO THE READING PUBLIC
15VII—THE SONNETS AND THEIR LITERARY HISTORY
16VIII—THE BORROWED CONCEITS OF THE SONNETS
17IX—THE PATRONAGE OF THE EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON
18X—THE SUPPOSED STORY OF INTRIGUE IN THE SONNETS
19XI—THE DEVELOPMENT OF DRAMATIC POWER
20XII—THE PRACTICAL AFFAIRS OF LIFE
21XIII—MATURITY OF GENIUS
22XIV—THE HIGHEST THEMES OF TRAGEDY
23XV—THE LATEST PLAYS
24XVI—THE CLOSE OF LIFE
25XVII—SURVIVORS AND DESCENDANTS
26XVIII—AUTOGRAPHS, PORTRAITS, AND MEMORIALS
27XIX—BIBLIOGRAPHY
28XX—POSTHUMOUS REPUTATION
29XXI—GENERAL ESTIMATE
30XVII—SURVIVORS AND DESCENDANTS (pt. 1)
31XVII—SURVIVORS AND DESCENDANTS (pt. 2)
32Analysis
33Reflection