Publisher's Synopsis
Richard III is a historical play by William Shakespeare. It depicts the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III of England. The play begins with Richard (called "Gloucester" in the text) standing in "a street," describing the re-accession to the throne of his brother, King Edward IV of England, eldest son of the late Richard, Duke of York. Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
