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ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Drama / Historical Play / Tragedy

Book Review:
''Richard II'' is Shakespeare's most poetic history play. It's a tragedy, really, about a king who is a poet and a dreamer, utterly unsuited for the brutal world of politics. Richard believes he is chosen by God, and when he is deposed by the practical and ambitious Bolingbroke, his world shatters. The play is famous for its gorgeous language—Richard's speeches as he loses his crown are among the most beautiful and heartbreaking Shakespeare ever wrote. ''Let's sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings.'' It's a stunning moment. But it's not just poetry; it's a sharp political drama about the nature of power, legitimacy, and what happens when a king fails. This play sets the stage for the rest of the Henriad—the Henry IV plays and Henry V. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Shakespeare's vision of English history. This Cambridge edition is superb, with excellent notes and context.