William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "the Bard"). His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Contents: The Life and Death of King John The Tragedy of King Richard the Second The First Part of King Henry the Fourth The Second Part of King Henry the Fourth The Life of King Henry the Fifth The Tragedy of King Richard the Third This limited edition of Shakespeare's Histories is published exclusively for subscribers to The Franklin Library collection The 100 Greatest Books of all Time