Henry IV Part 2 by William Shakespeare (The New Bantam Shakespeare, Edited by Bevington & Kastan)

The Conclusion of Shakespeare's Greatest History — Prince Hal Becomes King

Falstaff grows older. The king grows sicker. And Prince Hal must finally choose between the life he loves and the crown he was born to wear. Henry IV, Part 2 is the bittersweet, deeply human conclusion to Shakespeare's most celebrated history cycle — a play about aging, responsibility, and the painful cost of becoming who you must be.

This New Bantam Shakespeare edition, edited by distinguished scholars David Bevington and David Scott Kastan, offers an authoritative, accessible text with expert guidance for students and general readers alike.

• Authoritative text edited by David Bevington and David Scott Kastan
• Helpful notes and introductions for students and independent readers
• Compact Bantam format — great value and highly portable
• Essential companion to Henry IV Part 1 and Henry V

The farewell between Hal and Falstaff is one of the most heartbreaking moments in all of Shakespeare. Henry IV, Part 2 is proof that growing up always costs something — and that Shakespeare understood that better than anyone.

📖 Who It's For: History lovers, Shakespeare enthusiasts, students of the Henriad, and anyone who has ever had to leave something beloved behind.