{"product_id":"the-first-quarto-of-king-henry-v-practical-stage-text","title":"The First Quarto of King Henry V - Practical Stage Text","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of The First Quarto of King Henry V, the reviewer finds a compact, historically important edition aimed at readers who want a practical staging text rather than the fuller later Folio version. This New Cambridge early quartos volume, edited by Andrew Gurr, is best for students, directors and readers who value a record transcribed by actors in Shakespeare's company and who want detailed editorial comparison with the 1623 First Folio. The single biggest reason to buy is its close examination of textual variants that illuminate how the play was prepared for performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuarto text authority:\u003c\/strong\u003e Presents the 1599 actor-transcribed version that offers a historically grounded staging text used at the Globe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEditorial analysis:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andrew Gurr examines each variant against the 1623 First Folio, clarifying differences in length and wording.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical length:\u003c\/strong\u003e At roughly half the length of the Folio text, this edition is streamlined for readers and practitioners focused on performance economy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical context:\u003c\/strong\u003e The volume explains how the company handled and adapted scripts they purchased from their resident playwright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScholarly yet readable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Balances close textual scholarship with accessible commentary useful to both students and directors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis edition is ideal for drama students, theatre practitioners and Shakespeare readers who prefer a text with performance provenance and want to study how early staging practices shaped the script. The focus on variants makes it a useful resource for anyone preparing a production who needs to decide between Folio readings and the shorter Quarto lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking a comprehensive collected works or a modernized, annotated classroom edition for casual reading might look elsewhere; this volume assumes interest in textual history and practical staging rather than exhaustive modernized notes or extensive footnoting for beginners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides direct access to the 1599 actor-transcribed text with clear editorial comparison to the Folio, aiding staging decisions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAndrew Gurr's commentary sheds light on how company practices influenced the script, offering valuable historical context.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shorter, pragmatic Quarto text is easier to work with in rehearsal and performance planning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBecause it focuses on the Quarto and variant analysis, it is less suitable for readers wanting a fully modernized, classroom-style edition with extensive explanatory notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe First Quarto of King Henry V (The New Cambridge Shakespeare: The Early Quartos)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEditor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAndrew Gurr\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlay\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKing Henry V (Quarto text, 1599)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTextual basis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eActor-transcribed Quarto compared with the 1623 First Folio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength characteristic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately half the length of the First Folio version\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePractical staging text and variant analysis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe First Quarto of King Henry V is a valuable, narrowly focused edition for students and theatre practitioners who need the actor-transcribed 1599 text and clear editorial comparison with the Folio. Its emphasis on staging provenance and variant explanation makes it good value for those studying performance history or preparing productions, though casual readers seeking a fully modernized classroom edition may prefer other formats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is different about the Quarto text?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Quarto is a shorter, actor-transcribed version from 1599 that reflects a practical staging script used at the Globe and differs in lines and structure from the 1623 First Folio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this edition include commentary?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, Andrew Gurr provides detailed examination of each variant and contextual commentary on how the company adapted scripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this suitable for performance preparation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the streamlined Quarto text and editorial notes make it particularly useful for directors and actors planning a staging.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Shakespeare, Andrew Gurr","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48224912998619,"sku":"0521623367","price":129.18,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51vce9_8mbL._SL1000.jpg?v=1770321305","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/the-first-quarto-of-king-henry-v-practical-stage-text","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}