Richard II cover art

Richard II

Arkangel Shakespeare

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Richard II

By: William Shakespeare
Narrated by: Rupert Graves, Julian Glover, John Wood
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About this listen

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 Classics Drama & Plays Entertainment & Performing Arts Shakespeare Entertainment England Royalty Middle Ages Theatre Tudor

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Featured article: 50+ timeless Shakespeare quotes


Immerse yourself in these Shakespeare quotes to dive into the comedies and tragedies penned by the Bard of Avon. From knock-knock jokes to the wild goose chase, we owe many of our most-used and best-loved phrases to the talent of the Bard. His words are timeless in their direct wisdom, their witty humour, and their surprising applicability to modern life. We’ve collected some of our favourite William Shakespeare quotes for when you want to think about life’s big questions, wax poetic on the nature of love, or just need a good laugh.

Featured article 50+ timeless Shakespeare quotes
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Especially from Rupert Graves (Richard). He trumpets masculine and youthful pride into a gem-like echo.

Lionhearted performance

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

the best

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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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