Henry VI, Part 1

Henry VI, Part 1, one of William Shakespeare's plays, is an uncompromising celebration of early English nationalism that contrasts the English with the French, portrayed here as effeminate and scheming.

A boy king, Henry VI, is on the English throne, and the indomitable Talbot leads the English cause in France. Joan La Pucelle (Joan of Arc), who becomes captain of the French, claims to be chosen by the Virgin Mary to liberate France. The English, however, consider her a sensual witch.

Many of the English nobility remain, quarreling, at home. Once in France, some seek permission to fight each other there. Talbot and his son cannot prevail; the English defeat themselves by preying on each other.

Henry VI, Part 1 may have been staged in 1592, when a play named Harey the vj was performed several times. It was printed in the 1623 First Folio. Sources include Edward Hall's Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York.

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: k2v - m2r

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: l4v - n4r

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

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  The title page of Henry VI, Part 1 printed in the 1623 First Folio. STC 22273 Fo.1 no.68.

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  The 1632 Second Folio title page of Henry VI, Part 1. STC 22274 Fo.2 no.07.

Modern editions

Henry VI, Part 1, can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2003 copy 2 v.09

Other media

Image Group

Explore the curated image group for Henry VI, Part 1 in the Folger digital image collection.