King John: Historical Background Translation

A side-by-side translation of Historical Background of King John from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

  Original Text

 Translated Text

  Source: Folger Shakespeare Library

This brief historical background is brought to you by Shmoop. (Shakespeare wasn't as helpful as we are, it seems.)

Click on over to the summary page for the scoop on everything that went down leading up to the opening of King John. When you're ready, come back to start reading Act 1.