In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Britannicus," the fifth of twelve plays by the author. "Britannicus" is the first work by the author to draw upon Roman History for its subject matter. The story concerns Britannicus, the son of the Roman emperor Claudius, and would be heir to the imperial throne. Britannicus's rule would be usurped however by Nero who has desires for Britannicus's fiancée Junia as well. The struggle for power and love are at odds in this play. Considered one of Racine's best works, "Britannicus" is still widely studied by young dramatists.
