"The Life and Death of King John" chronicles the chaos that followed the death of King Richard the Lion-Hearted of England and the tug-of-war between the French forces trying to put the bastard son of Richard's brother Philip on the throne of England and the machinations of Richard's youngest brother John, to keep the crown.

Filled with court intrigue, battles and shifting alliances, "King John" is among the best of Shakespeare's history plays, featuring a sprawling, epic struggle between the French and English forces and some of Shakespeare's most fascinating characters, including King John, his mother Queen Eleanor as well as royals, schemers and the young would-be young king, Arthur.

Written in the mid-1590's and published in 1623, "The Life and Death of King John" is presented here in its original and unabridged format.