King Richard III (The Arden Shakespeare Third Series)

King Richard III provides a portrait of Shakespeare’s most enduring arch-villain, a man who plots against his brothers, nephews, friends and the powerful women in his life, including Lady Anne, Queen Margaret and Queen Elizabeth. This influential history play almost displaces the original historical figure it represents as it traces Richard’s rise to the throne in 15th century England.

James R. Siemon examines the attraction of this villain to audiences and focuses on how beguiling, even funny, he can be, especially in the earlier parts of the play. Siemon also places King Richard III in its historical context ; as Elizabeth I had no heirs the issue of succession was a very real one for Shakespeare's audience.

The introduction is well-illustrated and provides a comprehensive account of the play and of critical approaches to it. The edition also provides a clear and authoritative playtext, edited to the most rigorous standards of scholarship, with detailed notes and commentary on the same page.

With a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary the Arden Shakespeare is the finest edition of Shakespeare you can find, giving a deeper understanding and appreciation of his work.