Richard III

by Shakespeare

First published 1597

Amazon

3.9(60,198)

Richard, Duke of Gloucester, advances toward the English crown through manipulation, political alliance and murder. The deaths and removals around Edward IV’s family clear his path, while the young Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury disappear after being lodged in the Tower of London.

Once crowned Richard III, he faces growing opposition and the invasion of Henry Tudor. The drama ends at Bosworth, where Richard is killed and Tudor victory promises an end to the dynastic wars. Shakespeare’s portrait is highly theatrical and shaped by Tudor historical tradition, but it draws directly on the succession crisis of 1483 and the final phase of the Wars of the Roses.

Historical Periods

Battle of Bosworth Field1485 CE Princes in the Tower1483 CE

Genres

Classical Literature Court & Political Fiction Dynastic & Royal Fiction War Fiction

Historical people

Henry VII1457–1509 Edward IV1442–1483 Richard III1452–1485 Edward V1470–1483 Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York1473–disappeared 1483 Anne Neville1456–1485