The Troublesome Reign of John, King of England: By George Peele

by Charles R. Forker (Editor)

Forker's critical edition fills the need for a fully annotated, historically contextualised and modernised text of the most important Elizabethan chronicle play apart from Shakespeare and Marlowe's Edward II.

Now attributed definitely to George Peele, this drama helped to establish a major theatrical genre, raising contemporary political and religious issues through the dramatisation of medieval history in a compelling and popular fashion. A major source for Shakespeare, it throws new light on the bard's adaptation of earlier drama and helps to illustrate his working methods.

With the full introduction and generous notes this Revels Plays edition will be the first port of call for students and enthusiasts of Elizabethan and early modern drama.

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2011

Reviews

[Ronald Tieder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with Shakespeare's King John for a group study I was leading in October 2024. I will admit that I liked The Troublesome Reign more than Shakespeare's The Life and Death of King John. It is disputed which of the two plays came first, but the action is similar in both plays. The Troublesome Reign has more details on a few parts, and a different take on Constance, Prince Arthur's mother. I like the extra details in the Troublsome Reign better, but Constance is better in Shakespeare's play.

If you are going to read King John by Shakespeare. It will reward you to read The Troublesome Reign as well.