Richard III is one of the great Shakespearean characters and roles. 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.

King Richard III is perennially popular in theatres and as a text for study, both at school and university The Introduction is detailed and comprehensive, covering both performance and critical history and has 20 illustrations The Arden Shakespeare is one of the most recognised and respected literary brands

About the Author
James R Siemon is Professor of English at Boston University

Reviews
'There is much to admire about Siemon's labours here, and taken in its own edition is a fine resource for those wanting to read a well annotated text of the play or to go deeply into the performance and textual histories of the play...' Shakespeare Bookshop Newsletter (December 2009)



Book Information
ISBN 9781903436899
Author William Shakespeare
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint The Arden Shakespeare
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 522g