This work investigates the historical reality behind the figures and events depicted in Shakespeare's history plays. Peter Saccio, a scholar of English literature, bridges the gap between the dramatized versions of the English monarchy and the actual historical records of the 14th and 15th centuries. The book provides a framework for understanding how Shakespeare adapted complex dynastic struggles into coherent theatrical narratives.

Scholars and students frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for navigating the complex dynastic politics of the history plays. Readers often note the clarity of the prose, which makes dense historical information accessible to those unfamiliar with medieval English history.