The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]

"The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]" by Shakespeare is a collection of plays and writings from one of the most famous playwrights in the early modern period. This volume includes classic works such as "King Henry VIII," "Troilus and Cressida," "Coriolanus," and "Titus Andronicus," reflective of the late 16th to early 17th centuries. The book entails profound themes of power, love, betrayal, and morality, showcasing an array of characters from noble kings to tragic heroes. At the start of "King Henry VIII," we are introduced to characters such as the Duke of Norfolk and the Duke of Buckingham, discussing the recent glorious encounter between English and French nobility. The opening scenes set the political tone of intrigue and rivalry, especially concerning the ambitions of Cardinal Wolsey, who is portrayed as a manipulative figure in the English court. The play begins with an exploration of power dynamics, personal grievances, and the stark realities of loyalty and betrayal amidst the backdrop of Henry VIII's reign, ultimately highlighting the costs of ambition and the interplay of personal relationships with political maneuvers. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.