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.
