Rene Weis reveals Shakepeare's use of multiple sources to be eclectic in the extreme in this radical reconsideration of the play's date and text. He also argues for the first time that Falstaff was called Oldcastle in Part 2 as well as in Part I. The play's striving towards a form of order, peace, and legitimacy is explored in relation to Part I and through rigorous attention to structure and language. A full account of the play's history in performance and on film yields a fascinating reflection of its relationship to national triumph and crisis, as well as the diverse idealogical interpretations it has inspired.

List of Illustrations; Introduction; Editorial Procedures; TEXT; Index

`The text pages clearly differentiate text, collation, and notes; the documentation is full but inconspicuous; and it has been well proof-read ... Dr Weis provides an economical but illuminating discussion of Shakespeare's sources ... The annotations throughout are lucid and economical, responsive to both levels of plot. ... Rene Weis's edition can be recommended as a thoughtful and sensitive response to the play, which ranks alongside the outstanding 1966 New Arden edition by R A Humphreys.' Brian Vickers, ROES, vol 50 no 200 (1999)