History Literacy Works

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The Tempest
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
The Tempest, written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century, is a dramatic romance that explores themes of power, forgiveness, and the human capacity for change. Set on a remote island, the play follows Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who uses magic to orchestrate a shipwreck that brings his enemies within his reach. Through a series of supernatural events and moral trials, Prospero confronts betrayal, manipulates circumstances, and ultimately chooses reconciliation over revenge. Central to the narrative are the developing love between Miranda and Ferdinand, the tension between the colonizer and the native embodied in Prospero and Caliban, and the longing for freedom expressed by Ariel. Blending elements of tragedy, comedy, and fantasy, The Tempest reflects on illusion, authority, and mercy. Often regarded as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage, the play emphasizes restoration, harmony, and the relinquishing of power.
The Merry Wives of Windsor.
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a Shakespearean comedy centered on middle-class domestic life, social reputation, and the clever agency of women. Sir John Falstaff attempts to seduce two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, in hopes of gaining access to their husbands’ wealth. Discovering his scheme, the women outwit him through a series of humorous tricks that publicly expose his foolishness. Alongside this main plot runs a romantic subplot involving Anne Page and her competing suitors. The play celebrates wit, community values, and marital loyalty, presenting a lively portrait of everyday English life while highlighting the power of intelligence and cooperation over deception.
Measure for Measure
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Measure for Measure is a Shakespearean problem play that examines justice, morality, and the abuse of power. Set in Vienna, the Duke temporarily delegates authority to the strict and self-righteous Angelo, who enforces long-neglected laws with harsh severity. When Claudio is sentenced to death for immoral conduct, his sister Isabella, a novice nun, pleads for mercy. Angelo, however, offers to spare Claudio only if Isabella sacrifices her virtue. Disguised as a friar, the Duke secretly observes and manipulates events to expose corruption and restore order. Blending dark themes with moments of irony and resolution, the play questions the balance between justice and compassion.
The Two Gentleman of Verona
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of Shakespeare’s early comedies, focusing on friendship, love, and betrayal. The story follows two friends, Valentine and Proteus, whose relationship is strained when Proteus falls in love with Silvia, the woman Valentine loves, even though Proteus is already devoted to Julia. Disguises, misunderstandings, and shifting loyalties drive the plot as Julia secretly follows Proteus. In the end, repentance and forgiveness restore both friendship and romance. The play explores the challenges of loyalty and the changing nature of love, while blending humour with emotional conflict.
The Comedy of Errors.
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
The Comedy of Errors is a fast-paced farce built on mistaken identity and coincidence. Two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, end up in the same city, setting off a chain of comic confusion involving merchants, servants, and spouses. Themes of family reunion, identity, and the chaos of misunderstanding drive the play. Through physical comedy and escalating misunderstandings, Shakespeare explores how easily order can collapse when appearances deceive.
Much Ado About Nothing
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.
Much Ado About Nothing is a romantic comedy that contrasts playful wit with serious misunderstandings. The sharp-tongued Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into confessing their love, while the courtship of Hero and Claudio is nearly destroyed by deception and false accusations. Themes of honour, reputation, and the complexity of love shape the narrative. Blending humour with moments of emotional tension, the play highlights both the fragility and resilience of relationships.
Love's Labour's Lost.
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Love’s Labour’s Lost is a witty comedy about youthful idealism and the unpredictability of love. The King of Navarre and his companions vow to avoid women and devote themselves to study, but their resolve collapses when a princess and her ladies arrive. Courtship, wordplay, and comic disguises follow, ending not in marriage but in separation and reflection. The play explores themes of language, learning, and the tension between intellectual ambition and human emotion.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a fantasy comedy that intertwines love, magic, and illusion. In an enchanted forest, four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and feuding fairy royals become entangled in magical mishaps caused by a mischievous spirit. Mistaken affections and comic transformations create confusion before harmony is restored. The play celebrates imagination while exploring the irrational and transformative nature of love.
The Taming of the Shrew
(Macmillan and Co., 1893) Shakespeare, W.
The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy that examines courtship, marriage, and gender roles. The spirited and outspoken Katherina is pursued by Petruchio, who attempts to “tame” her through psychological games and social performance. Meanwhile, her sister Bianca’s suitors compete for her affection through disguises and deception. The play blends humour with controversy, inviting debate about power, identity, and the expectations placed on men and women in relationships.
South-West Africa under German Rule.
(Heinemann Educational Book Ltd., 1894) Bley, H.
South-West Africa under German Rule (1894) is a contemporary historical account examining the early period of German colonial administration in the territory now known as Namibia. The volume describes the establishment of German authority, settlement patterns, and the development of colonial governance structures following the declaration of the protectorate in the 1880s. It discusses economic activities such as trade, agriculture, and infrastructure building, as well as military presence and relations between colonial officials, settlers, and indigenous communities. The work reflects late 19th-century European perspectives on imperial expansion and provides insight into the political, social, and economic conditions of the territory during the formative years of German colonial rule. As a primary-era narrative, it serves as a significant historical source for understanding colonial policy, frontier conditions, and cross-cultural encounters in Southern Africa.
All’s Well That Ends Well
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
All’s Well That Ends Well is a problem comedy that explores love, persistence, and social mobility. Helena, a determined young woman of modest birth, cures the King of France and claims the right to marry Bertram, a nobleman who rejects her and flees. Through disguise and clever strategy, Helena proves her loyalty and ultimately secures reconciliation. The play examines class, gender expectations, and the tension between romantic idealism and reality.
Twelfth Night
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy centred on mistaken identity, desire, and festive disorder. After a shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a man and enters the service of Duke Orsino, creating a love triangle with Countess Olivia. Comic subplots involving Sir Toby Belch and Malvolio add humour and satire. The play explores gender roles, longing, and the fluid nature of love, ending in joyful reunions and marriages
The Second Part of King Henry IV.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Henry IV, Part 2 continues the story of political unrest and Prince Hal’s development. As King Henry IV’s health declines, rebellion persists and Falstaff’s comic world begins to fade. Upon becoming King Henry V, Hal rejects his former companions, signalling a shift from youthful excess to royal responsibility. The play reflects on power, ageing, and transformation
The First Part of King Henry VI.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Henry VI, Part 1 is an early history play depicting England’s struggles after the death of Henry V. The young King Henry VI inherits a divided kingdom and ongoing war with France, including the rise of Joan of Arc as a French leader. Political rivalry among English nobles foreshadows the Wars of the Roses. The play explores weak leadership and the seeds of national conflict.
The First Part of King Henry IV.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Henry IV, Part 1, combines political conflict with lively comic scenes. Prince Hal, heir to the throne, spends time among commoners and the humorous Sir John Falstaff while rebellion threatens his father’s rule. As Hal matures, he proves his courage in battle against Hotspur. The play explores honour, leadership, and personal growth.
The Winter’s Tale.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
The Winter’s Tale is a late romance that blends tragedy and comedy in a story of jealousy, loss, and redemption. King Leontes falsely accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity, leading to tragedy and the apparent loss of his daughter. Years later, reconciliation becomes possible through forgiveness, reunion, and a miraculous restoration. The play explores time, repentance, and the healing power of love.
King John.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
King John is a historical drama depicting political conflict, contested succession, and the instability of royal authority. The play focuses on King John’s struggle to maintain his throne amid challenges from France and internal rebellion. Questions of legitimacy, loyalty, and national identity shape the narrative. Shakespeare presents a complex portrait of kingship under pressure and the consequences of weak leadership.
King Richard II.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Richard II is a history play examining the divine right of kings and the fall of a monarch. Richard’s mismanagement and political mistakes lead to his overthrow by Henry Bolingbroke, who becomes Henry IV. The play contrasts poetic introspection with political reality, exploring themes of power, identity, and the fragile nature of authority.
King Henry V.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.
Henry V portrays the reign of England’s warrior king and the campaign against France, culminating in the Battle of Agincourt. Henry emerges as a charismatic and strategic leader who unites his troops and secures national pride. The play explores kingship, patriotism, and the human cost of war, blending heroic rhetoric with moments of realism.
The Second Part of King Henry VI.
(Macmillan and Co., 1894) Shakespeare, W.; Wright, A. W.
Henry VI, Part 2 continues the decline of royal authority as factional rivalry and civil unrest spread across England. Weak leadership by King Henry VI allows ambitious nobles to compete for power, sparking rebellion and the early stages of the Wars of the Roses. The play explores political instability, ambition, and the collapse of order.

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