The Tragedy of King Lear

King Lear is a prosperous but older man who plans to distribute his wealth among his three daughters in accordance to their declarations of love. Two shower him with compliments while the other is unable to participate in a false display of affection.

King Lear decides to step down from the throne and gift his daughters with the spoils of his kingdom. As a test, the size of their inheritance will correlate with how well they flatter him. The two older children, Goneril and Regan, honor him with praise, but his youngest, Cordelia remains quiet. She genuinely loves her father but doesn't engage in the pageantry. Due to her reluctance, King Lear disowns Cordelia, while his other daughters receive his riches. Once they are settled, Goneril and Regan, begin to marginalize their father, refusing to support him in his old age. This eventually drives him mad as he's forced to acknowledge the error of his ways.

The Tragedy of King Lear is a heartbreaking cautionary tale. The king's downfall is a direct consequence of his own arrogance. It's a powerful story that still resonates centuries after its first performance in the 1600s.

With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Tragedy of King Lear is both modern and readable.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is arguably the most famous playwright to ever live. Born in England, he attended grammar school but did not study at a university. In the 1590s, Shakespeare worked as partner and performer at the London-based acting company, the King's Men. His earliest plays were Henry VI and Richard III, both based on the historical figures. During his career, Shakespeare produced nearly 40 plays that reached multiple countries and cultures. Some of his most notable titles include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar. His acclaimed catalog earned him the title of the world's greatest dramatist.