

#3670
Mentioned in 7 episodes
Richard II
Book • 1595
Written around 1595-1596, *Richard II* is the first play in Shakespeare's second 'history tetralogy.
' The play follows the downfall of King Richard II, who is depicted as an extravagant and self-indulgent ruler.
Richard's poor governance, including his wasteful spending, seizure of noble lands, and involvement in the murder of his uncle Thomas of Woodstock, leads to widespread discontent.
His cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, returns from exile to reclaim his inheritance and eventually deposes Richard.
The play culminates with Richard's abdication, imprisonment, and eventual murder, marking the beginning of Henry IV's reign.
The story is set against the backdrop of English history in the late 14th century and explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of royal rule.
' The play follows the downfall of King Richard II, who is depicted as an extravagant and self-indulgent ruler.
Richard's poor governance, including his wasteful spending, seizure of noble lands, and involvement in the murder of his uncle Thomas of Woodstock, leads to widespread discontent.
His cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, returns from exile to reclaim his inheritance and eventually deposes Richard.
The play culminates with Richard's abdication, imprisonment, and eventual murder, marking the beginning of Henry IV's reign.
The story is set against the backdrop of English history in the late 14th century and explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of royal rule.
Mentioned by

















Mentioned in 7 episodes
Reread by 

for pleasure and using AI to enhance understanding and analysis of the play.


Tyler Cowen

2,098 snips
Tyler Cowen: The Most Practical Conversation on AI Writing | How I Write
Mentioned when discussing how it scandalized Elizabethan audiences due to parallels with Richard II's reign.

206 snips
Helen Castor on Medieval Power and Personalities
Mentioned by 

and 

throughout the podcast as the subject of their discussion.


Dominic Sandbrook


Tom Holland

26 snips
415. The Murder of Richard II (Part 3)
Mentioned throughout the podcast as a source of insights on leadership and power dynamics.

12 snips
Shakespeare on How Leaders Rise, Rule, and Fall
Mentioned as a deathbed elegy for This Sceptred Isle in Shakespeare's play.

The lost art of chorography
Mentioned by 

when discussing the value of reading older texts.


Russ Roberts

Pano Kanelos on Education and UATX
Mentioned by 

when discussing Shakespeare's works on the War of the Roses.


Gary Arndt

The War of the Roses
Mentioned by 

when discussing Shakespeare's play on aging and the theme of self-knowledge.


Kate Pitt

EMERGENCY POD: Biden and Shakespeare
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as the start of the history plays and a play that was performed before Essex's Rebellion.

Neema Parvini

PREVIEW: Chronicles #3 | Shakespeare with Academic Agent
Mentioned by speaker 3 as a play performed in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes.

Looking for William Shakespeare 5/5 : Acte V : After Shakespeare
Recommended by ![undefined]()

, who is in the process of plugging gaps in his reading by reading the play.

Armando Iannucci

Strong Recommend: Shakespeare's Richard II
Mentioned by 

in the context of Shakespeare's works and their enduring relevance.


Russell Brand

The Battle for Truth: Gregg Hurwitz on Myth, Power & Cultural Control – SF540
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a cultural recommendation on BBC Radio 4's Strong Message Here.

Sunil Patel

Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 1. There's something in the water