Henry VIII

The king’s great matter. A queen’s fall. The birth of a golden age.

In William Shakespeare’s majestic late history play, the court of King Henry VIII becomes a stage of ambition, betrayal, and political transformation. The drama unfolds with the spectacular fall of the powerful Duke of Buckingham, the king’s growing dissatisfaction with his queen Katharine of Aragon, and his fateful determination to divorce her so he may marry the captivating Anne Boleyn. As cardinals scheme, alliances shift, and the English Reformation stirs, Shakespeare and John Fletcher portray a monarchy in turbulent transition, from the old Catholic order to a new Protestant future.

Rich with pageantry, eloquent speeches, and poignant human drama, Henry VIII (also known as All Is True) offers a grand theatrical spectacle while exploring timeless themes of power, conscience, forgiveness, and the unpredictable wheel of fortune. The play culminates in the prophetic celebration of the newborn Princess Elizabeth, whose reign would usher in England’s golden age.

• Written circa 1612–1613, one of Shakespeare’s final plays, co-authored with John Fletcher
• Performed at the Globe Theatre in 1613, when a cannon fired during the performance famously set the theatre on fire
• Features some of Shakespeare’s most moving scenes, including Queen Katharine’s dignified trial and farewell

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Elegant print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text, ideal for your bookshelf.
• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.
• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, perfect for immersive listening.

A grand and visually spectacular history play for lovers of Shakespeare’s later works, royal drama, and English history, or the perfect addition for completists of the Bard’s canon.

About the Author

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. His works—comprising 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems—have been translated into every major living language and continue to be performed more often than those of any other playwright. Henry VIII, written near the end of his career, exemplifies his continued dramatic power and fascination with English history and the complexities of kingship.