Richard III is one of the great Shakespearean characters and roles.James R Siemon examines the attraction of this villain to audiences andfocuses on how beguiling, even funny, he can be, especially in theearlier parts of the play. Siemon also places King Richard III inits historical context; as Elizabeth I had no heirs the issue ofsuccession was a very real one for Shakespeare's audience. Theintroduction is well-illustrated and provides a comprehensive accountof the play and of critical approaches to it.The edition also provides a clear and authoritativeplaytext, edited to the most rigorous standards of scholarship, withdetailed notes and commentary on the same page.With a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary the ArdenShakespeare is the finest edition of Shakespeare you can find, giving adeeper understanding and appreciation of his work.