Henry V: Plain Text: The Graphic Novel

by William Shakespeare, John F. McDonald (Translator)

Graphic novel adaptations of classical literature. Each classic is available in Original and Quick text versions. Shakespeare titles are also available in Plain text versions.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Shakespeare, History, Comics

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2008

About the author

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" (or simply "the Bard"). 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.
Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. Sometime between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner ("sharer") of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men after the ascension of King James VI and I of Scotland to the English throne. At age 49 (around 1613), he appears to have retired to Stratford, where he died three years later. Few records of Shakespeare's private life survive; this has stimulated considerable speculation about such matters as his physical appearance, his sexuality, his religious beliefs, and even certain fringe theories as to whether the works attributed to him were written by others.
Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were primarily comedies and histories and are regarded as some of the best works produced in these genres. He then wrote mainly tragedies until 1608, among them Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth, all considered to be among the finest works in the English language. In the last phase of his life, he wrote tragicomedies (also known as romances) and collaborated with other playwrights.
Many of Shakespeare's plays were published in editions of varying quality and accuracy during his lifetime. However, in 1623, John Heminge and Henry Condell, two fellow actors and friends of Shakespeare's, published a more definitive text known as the First Folio, a posthumous collected edition of Shakespeare's dramatic works that includes 36 of his plays. Its Preface was a prescient poem by Ben Jonson, a former rival of Shakespeare, that hailed Shakespeare with the now famous epithet: "not of an age, but for all time".

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on a kick of reading some classics in graphic novel form to get the essentials quickly. This is really for kids.

[Owlboyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The complete play translated into plain English. It's the 15th century and the Archbishop of Canterbury, worried over impending legislation that would effectively rob the Church in England of its power and wealth, convinces Henry V to forego this pursuit in favour of laying claim to France. Armed with a legal technicality, Henry means to take the throne of France by whatever means necessary. The Dauphin's insulting response (sending an ambassador with a gift of tennis balls) convinces Henry that the French will only respond to war. He gathers his army to invade France, but he must also make certain that he leaves enough troops in England to quell any potential rebellions. This leaves him with a relatively small invasion force. Henry must deal with one plot before even crossing the Channel. Lords Cambridge, Scroop and Grey are discovered to be conspiring to assassinate Henry (instigated by the French). Henry makes a very public example of all three, arresting them in person and seeing to their execution.The army then lays siege to Harfleur, capturing it after heavy losses. Henry wants to take his army out of France before the onset of Winter, but the French are certain they can teach the young king a humiliating lesson on the field of battle. This stiffens Henry's resolve and he decides that, if the French want a decisive battle, they'll get it! While in camp, Henry disguises himself as a common soldier and mingles with his troops before the battle. He talks candidly with his men and they with him. The men may be a little wary of their king, but their willingness to fight the French army is undaunted. Next day at Agincourt, Henry makes the stirring St. Crispin's Day speech, knowing his army is outnumbered five to one. But, aided by the longbows of his archers, Henry wins the day.The French sue for peace, which Henry grants on his own terms. These terms are spelled out in the Treaty of Troyes - Henry will marry Princess Katharine of France and will be named as heir to the French throne. England and France will thus be united in peace.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first full-length graphic novel! I read it cover-to-cover in less than a week. For some, this is probably not an achievement. For me, this was speedy given my work schedule and the fact that I usually read slow. I was addicted to the story & the graphics were great. Admittedly, I am a novice when it comes to graphic novels but this pleased me from beginning to end.

"Classical Comics" offer "Original text", "Plain text" & "Quick Text". The text type varies based on whether you want to read the original/unaltered format. Plain & quick use more modern language with fewer words. Quick has smaller bubbles allowing one to appreciate the artwork without the larger dialogue bubbles.

I read the "Original text". I feel no less the adult for reading the graphic version of a Shakespeare novel. Cliffs Notes may have been necessary had I read a different version. I came away feeling enriched & cultured. (I might still make use of Cliffs Notes just to make sure I am right about of couple things that took place in French.)

I would recommend this to anyone of any age. Enlightening & enjoyable. I hope to find more novel by "Classical Comics."

[Joshua Coots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history plays can become a little cumbersome at times, especially for younger readers. And let's all be honest, who really wants to sit and read Henry V for fun? But the graphic novel version made the story much more readable and very enjoyable. The story could have different interpretations in how its presented, so I wouldn't claim that the illustrations teach everything about the play, but it is enough to get both young and older students into Shakespeare. Even adults would be able to find enjoyment with this. The quick text version made the language a little less fluid, though it was far easier to read. I would suggest using this version to help students find their way through the original text. I am saving up for a set of these for my classroom.

[John]

Actual Version: ISBN13: 9781420503715; Adapted by Brigit Viney; same publisher: Classical Comics Ltd.
Goodreads lumps that version of this graphic novel in with the actual play.

[no star ratings given to graphic novels]

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I didn't like the art again, the humans didn't look human, they were very rigid and looked very much like drawings.
That being said, I like the plays with a little more human scheming and striving, this one was almost all war and it was boring.

[Abbie Kennedy]

Best way to read Shakespeare.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably will not assign this to students in the fall, but I'll avoid comment in case I change my mind.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource as an introduction to the play. Original text with excellent art work. Highly recommended.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are a great way to read Shakespeare! They make the plays more accessible to those, like myself, who struggle with the original text.