Here in Richard Cuddington's Easy Reading Verse are Shakespeare's Histories and Romances which take the reader on two separate journeys. One through various turbulent periods of English history - the other through the slightly calmer waters of romance. All the stories are told in clear and rhythmic verse which enhances the many dramatic and romantic situations. Readers will be entranced by the very diversity and richness of the colourful plots. Here we meet Richard the Second losing his throne, Henry the Fifth conquering the French at Agincourt and Richard the Third using all his dastardly wiles to keep the crown. In contrast the Romances will introduce Prospero whipping up a tempest, Pericles losing, then finding his Thaisa and Palamon and Arcite fighting for the hand of Emilia. A veritable pageant of drama, turmoil and intrigue is encapsulated in these enthralling stories which are truly some of the Bard's finest plays. These adaptations are an enjoyable and riveting read and act as an excellent bridge to the original texts.