King Richard II Third Series

Charles R. Forkeris Professor of English Emeritus at Indiana University, Bloomington. His many publications include critical editions of Shirley'sThe Cardinaland Marlowe'sEdward II, and a major study of the works of Webster,Skull Beneath the Skin: The Achievement of John Webster. His most recent work is a study of Shakespeare'sRichard II, entitled Shakespeare: The Critical Tradition: 'Richard II'. This richly annotated edition takes a fresh look at the first part of Shakespeare's second tetralogy of history plays, showing how it relates to the other plays in the sequence. Forker places the play in its political context, discussing its relation to competing theories of monarchy, how it faced censorship because of possible comparisons between Richard II and Elizabeth I, and how Bolingbroke's rebellion could be compared to the Essex rising of the time. This edition also reconsiders Shakespeare's use of sources, asking why he chose to emphasize one approach over another. Forker also looks at the play's rich afterlife, and the many interpretations that actors and directors have taken. Finally, the edition looks closely at the aesthetic relationship between language, character, structure, and political import. A textual analysis of the play's eight early editions, a doubling chart for casting, and geneological tables are included as appendices. The Arden Shakespearehas developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the play's foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader. Table of Contents List of Illustrations General Editors' Preface Preface Introduction Politics Historical Context and the Issue of Topicality The Connection with Essex Ideology: Competing Conceptions of Monarchy Characterization: Attitudes towards Richard and Bolingbroke Politics in Seventeenth- and Eighteenth- Century Stagings Language Style Imagery, Major Themes, Symbolism, Patterns of Allusion Rhetoric Afterlife The Date The Relation toEdward IIandWoodstock Richard IIand the Second Tetralogy Probable Venues of Early Performance Sources Holinshed Hall The Mirror for Magistrates Daniel Woodstock Froissart;Creton; Traison &

Charles R. Forker is Professor of English Emeritus at Indiana University, Bloomington.