
Shakespeare opens the tragedy with a dark‑loving soliloquy that sets the stage for a kingdom scarred by civil war. Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, reveals his physical deformity and bitter self‑awareness, promising a cunning mind behind a twisted body. His bitter humor and fierce ambition spill into a vivid portrait of a man who will stop at nothing to seize the crown.
The play follows Richard’s ruthless climb through the chaotic aftermath of the Wars of the Roses, blending political intrigue with sharp, poetic language. Listeners will hear the clash of loyalty and betrayal as Richard manipulates allies and enemies alike, all while the audience senses the looming tragedy. This recording preserves the original spelling and punctuation of the First Folio, offering an authentic experience that captures the raw rhythm of Elizabethan drama and invites you into the perilous world of a king who will not be forgotten.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (167K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2000-07-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1564–1616
A playwright, poet, and actor from Stratford-upon-Avon, he created characters and lines that have stayed alive for more than four centuries. His stories of love, ambition, jealousy, power, and forgiveness still feel startlingly human.
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