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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Henry IV
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, Parts 1 and 2 (c.1597–8)
Two self-contained history plays by *Shakespeare which together add up to a rich panorama of English life. The historical thread is provided by the plots and uprisings against the usurping *Henry IV. These include an uneasy alliance between Owain *Glyn Dwr and Henry Percy, son of the earl of Northumberland. Known as *Hotspur, and by nature hot-headed, Percy is a man of action. He is contrasted with the king's son, Prince Hal (the future *Henry V), who drinks and jests in the company of one of Shakespeare's greatest creations, the self-indulgent but witty Sir John Falstaff. Their favourite London tavern is the Boar's Head, where Mistress Quickly is the hostess. Falstaff's disreputable companions include the ignorant Bardolph, famous for his flaming red nose, and the bombastic ex-soldier Pistol.
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In Part 1 the rebellion of Hotspur is brought to an end when Hal, redeeming himself, kills him in single combat on the field of battle (Falstaff, coming across the dead body, immediately claims the deed as his own). Hal reverts to his earlier ways in Part 2, where Falstaff's recruiting campaign in the Cotswolds brings in a new rural dimension and introduces the doddery Justice Shallow, one of Falstaff's cronies from college days. When news comes of Henry IV's death, Falstaff hurries to London and waits with Shallow outside the coronation to receive honours and wealth from his boon companion, the new king. Henry V's opening words to him are some of the most chilling in drama: 'I know thee not, old man; fall to thy prayers'. But Falstaff had other friends. Public demand (and, it was said, a private request from Elizabeth I) gave him a new lease of life in The *Merry Wives of Windsor.
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