Henry VI, Part Two

The second play in Shakespeare's first historical tetralogy first appeared in a corrupt text in 1594 ( see ‘CONTENTION’ PLAYS). The title by which it is now generally known may derive from the editors of the First Folio. It is usually dated 1590–1, and is freely based on Holinshed's Chronicles and Halle's Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Families of Lancaster and York. For its later history, see HENRY VI, PART THREE.