Overview

This book posits that Shakespeare’s First Tetralogy draws inspiration from the Italian “politic histories” of the early modern period. These works of history, influenced by the Roman historian Tacitus, delve into the exploration of the machinations of power politics in governance and the shaping of historical events. The argument is that closely analysing these Italian “politic histories” can significantly enhance our understanding of the “politic” aspects dramatized in Shakespeare’s early English History plays. Specifically, the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli are highlighted as contributing to this understanding. These “politic histories” were accessible (in a variety of forms) to many English early modern writers, including Shakespeare. Thus, they serve as foundation for political and strategic analogies, enriching our interpretation of Shakespeare’s politic histories. While delving into the Italian “politic” historians can illuminate Shakespeare’s achievement, it is suggested that we should regard the English History plays as “politic histories” in their own right. In essence, they are dramatized versions of precisely the same kinds of “politic” historical writing, with its emphasis on ragion di Stato or raison d’état. This emphasis on what the Elizabethans called “stratagems” introduces new approaches to interpreting the plays. Considering the motivation and action of its characters entails novel approaches that challenge the established reading of the plays’ ‘Machiavellian’ characters (particularly Richard III) and shed light on previously overlooked characters (particularly Buckingham and Stanley), revealing their considerably greater strategic acumen. This exploration provides fresh avenues for reading the Shakespeare’s politic histories and better appreciate their Italian connection.

Full Product Details

Author:   John H. Cameron
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.460kg
ISBN:  

9781032523095

ISBN 10:   1032523093
Pages:   240
Publication Date:   05 May 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Shakespeare’s Politic Histories: The Italian Connection Politic Histories, Politic Stratagems The Prince: A Prolegomena Gracing My Stratagems: Politic Drama 2 The First Tetralogy, Shakespeare’s Politic History Things Not as They Ought to Be, but as They Truly Are Might vs. Right Trust and Distrust The Fox and the Lion With silence, be politic: Waiting for the Right Moment Weakness and Cruelty 3 ‘Made I him king for this?’: Buckingham and the Choice of Ministers Choosing the Right Minister, Choosing the Right Prince Give us notice of his inclinations: The Use of Spies Playing the Orator, Playing the Crowd Stops he now for breath? The Limits of Politic Stratagems 4 Stanley, the True Machiavellian of Richard III Stanley, the Quiet Machiavellian What think’st thou, then, of Stanley? Hiding One’s Intentions Look unto it: Failing to See Past the Surface What says Lord Stanley? Choosing the Right Moment 5 ‘For few men right temper with the stars’: Fortuna and Virtù Tempering with the stars Fortune Favours the Bold: The Nature of Virtù Fortuna vs. Virtù, or Fortuna and Virtù? Conclusion ‘My kingdom for a horse!’: The Hollow Crown My kingdom for a horse! The Hollow Crown For one commanding all, obey’d by none: Some Closing Thoughts Bibliography Index

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Author Information

John H. Cameron teaches English Literature at Saint Mary’s University as well as German and Russian Literature at Dalhousie University. He is the editor of Narrative is the Essence of History and co-editor (with Goran Stanivukovic) of a special issue of Forum for Modern Language Studies that explores the development of comedy across different theatrical traditions (July 2022). He is the co-author (with Goran Stanivukovic) of Tragedies of the English Renaissance.

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