Questions About Shakespeare's Kings: The Great Plays and the History of England in the Middle Ages: 1337-1485

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To appreciate the plays in historical content, would it be better to read this book first? Or is knowledge of Shakespearean characters beneficial to understanding references here? In other words, does this have elements of literary analysis, or is it a straightforward history book?

Sally Newton Having just finished reading Shakespeare's Kings I would definitely recommend watching or reading the plays first. This is mainly a straightforward hi…moreHaving just finished reading Shakespeare's Kings I would definitely recommend watching or reading the plays first. This is mainly a straightforward history book. The author does point out the occasions when Shakespeare diverts from the real history to make the plays flow better, or to aid characterization, but this information is more interesting when you are already familiar with the characters and plots. Although I enjoyed 'Shakespeare's Kings' I found I was not always in sympathy with Norwich's opinions of some of the historical people either. So I'd say it is better to get to know the characters yourself first.

10 months have passed since you asked this question so I expect you've made up your mind but perhaps someone else will be wondering the same things. (less)

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