The Signet Classics edition of one of William Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. Full of cruelty and betrayal, King Lear is the timeless and timely story of a kingdom held in the thrall of an aging ruler's descent into madness. Desperate for praise, he banishes those who would guide him with honesty and surrounds himself with sycophants--an action which leads to his ultimately tragic downfall... This revised Signet Classics edition includes unique features such as: - An overview of Shakespeare's life, world, and theater - A special introduction to the play by the editor, Russell Fraser - Selections from Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland , Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia , and The True Chronicle History of King Lear , the sources from which Shakespeare derived King Lear - Dramatic criticism from Samuel Johnson, A. C. Bradley, John Russell Brown, and others - A comprehensive stage and screen history of notable actors, directors, and productions - Text, notes, and commentaries printed in the clearest, most readable text - And more...