Henry VI, Part II

Preferring a life of spiritual contemplation, Henry VI leaves politics to his nobles. The resulting power struggle pits the Houses of York and Lancaster against one another for control of the crown. Against a backdrop of violent rebellion, the play explores the relationship between law and justice and the extent of a ruler's authority.
The second of three plays based on the life of England's fifteenth-century monarch, this historical drama chronicles the conflicts behind the War of the Roses. Each part of the trilogy is self-contained and can be appreciated without knowledge of the others. Vivid characterization, dark comedy, and powerful language combine for a memorable portrait of a country devastated by civil war.

Reprint of the Caxton Publishing Company, London, edition. englands henry vi;dark comedy;necromancy;social commentary;english history;historical drama;shakespearian plays;shakespeare;drama;york against lancaster;control of the crown;authority of the king;englands 15th century monarch;violent rebellion;political machinations;wars of the roses;armed conflict;war;revolt of the nobles;injustice to man;law and justice;england civil war;shakespearean;nobility;power struggle;conflict;renaissance