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Richard II

By: William Shakespeare
Narrated by: Rupert Graves, Julian Glover, John Wood
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Summary

Shakespeare's finest verse play is also his first portrait of the psychology of power.

The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England, but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard's right to the throne proves of little help to him. Richard is forced to abdicate, but as his power is stripped away, he gains dignity and self-awareness, and he meets his death heroically. Meanwhile Bolingbroke's seizure of the crown has caused resentment among the nobles of England.

Rupert Graves is Richard II, and Julian Glover is Bolingbroke. John Wood plays John of Gaunt.

Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
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Lionhearted performance

Especially from Rupert Graves (Richard). He trumpets masculine and youthful pride into a gem-like echo.

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the best

superb acting music everything. Listened to with the text really brings it to life. thanks

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Your starter for 10

I love the Henreyiad plays and this book sets you on the right course, it's the Bolingbroke starting point and Graves, Glover and Wood put in a superb account of the starting point for the "Cousin's war". It's where you decide which colour rose you will want to wear, red or white? A superb cast putting in an exemplary performance.
"Once you 'pop' you can't just stop".

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