Shadow Soldiers and Precarious Unions: The Legacies of Shakespeare’s History Play

Abstract

This is an occasion for both celebration and retrospection, as we acknowledge Shakespeare’s 450th birthday week and the 150th anniversary of the oldest Shakespeare society in the world. Having just served as President of America’s Johnny-Come-Lately version—only 42 years old—I have enjoyed witnessing the surprise this chronology causes for most non-Shakespeareans in the US, who presume that if anyone got a headstart on us in establishing such an organization, it must have been the Brits. So it has already been a treat for me to say I am speaking here today. I thank you for your precedent as well as your hospitality.