Shakespeare’s finest verse play is also his first portrait of the psychology of power.

The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England, but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and challenges his authority, Richard’s claim to the throne proves powerless. Forced to abdicate, Richard gains dignity and self-awareness as he faces his fate with heroism. Meanwhile, Bolingbroke’s rise to power stirs resentment among England’s nobles.

This audiobook features Rupert Graves as Richard II, Julian Glover as Bolingbroke, and John Wood as John of Gaunt, bringing to life the complexities of Shakespeare’s exploration of power and leadership.