Henry IV, Part 1 is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1596 and 1597. It is the second part of a tetralogy, preceded by Richard II and followed by Henry IV, Part 2 and Henry V. The play is set in England during the late Middle Ages and follows the story of King Henry IV, who is struggling to maintain his throne against a rebellion led by the powerful Percy family. The rebellion is led by Henry Percy, nicknamed "Hotspur," and his father, the Earl of Northumberland. Hotspur is joined by his uncle, the Earl of Worcester, and the Welshman Owen Glendower. The play follows the events leading up to the Battle of Shrewsbury, where the forces of King Henry IV and the rebels clash. The play also focuses on the relationship between Henry IV and his son, Prince Hal, who is more interested in carousing with his friend, the low-born Sir John Falstaff, than in assuming his royal duties. The play ends with the death of Hotspur in battle and the reconciliation of Henry IV and Prince Hal.
By William Shakespeare · First published 1597 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Comedy · 19 chapters