King John vs Measure for Measure: Which Should You Read?
Both live on shelves: English Young adult drama, Problems, English drama, Drama, Classic Literature, History
King John
“King John was first printed in the 1623 Folio, where it was placed at the head of the histories, and since that text is the only authority for the play, all modern editions are based upon it.”
More
Complexities of power and loyalty in King John, a historical play by William Shakespeare. Set against the backdrop of England’s turbulent politics, this gripping narrative explores the reign of King John, who faces…
Measure for Measure
“Measure for Measure is one of the best of Shakespeare's plays, though it has not always received the appreciation it deserves.”
More
This play examines the nature of mercy and justice, proposing that a good government is one that is flexible and based on common sense.
Side by side
The verdict
- Readers rate Measure for Measure highest: Measure for Measure 3.7 · King John 3.4.
- Measure for Measure has the widest readership — 32174 ratings behind its score.
How to choose
Scores by source
| King John | Measure for Measure | |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 3.4 (8409) | 3.7 (32174) |
| Hardcover | 3.1 (10) | 3.5 (58) |
| Apple Books | 3.5 (7) | 4.5 (23) |
Reception
| King John | Measure for Measure | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | 8409 | 32174 |
| Editions | 330 | 317 |
| Citations | 21 | — |
| Film adaptations | 1 | 1 |
| Want to read | 6527 | 19584 |
| Written reviews | 852 | 2046 |
| Wikipedia attention | 3778 | 7583 |
| Pages | 117 | 222 |
Questions readers ask
Which is rated higher: King John or Measure for Measure?
Measure for Measure has the higher combined reader rating across sources (Measure for Measure 3.7/5, King John 3.4/5).
Which is shorter to read: King John or Measure for Measure?
King John is the quickest read. Estimated at 225 words per minute: King John (117 pages, ≈ 2 h 10 m); Measure for Measure (222 pages, ≈ 4 h 07 m).
Which is harder to read: King John or Measure for Measure?
Estimated difficulty, based on era, reader shelves and length — King John: Demanding; Measure for Measure: Demanding.
Have both books been made into films?
King John: 1 film adaptation; Measure for Measure: no film adaptation on record.