Guide Note:King John is a classic history by William Shakespeare.
Fast Facts:
- Written: 1590-1595
- Primary source: The Troublesome Reign of King John - ca. 1589
- First Publication: First Folio (1623)
- First performance: 1737 - Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
- Last Performed on Broadway in 1915
- 1899 silent production - earliest Shakespeare play on film
- Main Characters:
- King John
- King Philip, King of France
- Arthur I, Duke of Brittany
- Famous Quotes:
- Bell, book, and candle shall not drive me back, when gold and silver becks me to come on! 3.3
- Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man. 3.4
- I do not ask you much: I beg cold comfort. 5.7
- Famous Speeches:
- To gild refined gold, to paint the lily... 4.2
- This England never did, nor never shall, lie at the proud foot of a conqueror... 5.7