King Lear (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)
Product ID: 4477166
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In the first part of Foakes's introduction, the editor examines King Lear as it is read in the mind versus how it is performed on the stage, analyzing historical productions and certain elements of the play that shine in performance but not in text, and vice versa. This section also explores how and why the play has invited so many interpretations, in reading and performance, since its inception. The next part of the introduction considers trends in the criticism and staging of the play, such as the recent shift of favor from redemptive to bleak readings. Foakes then addresses the dating of the play, the differences among the Quarto and Folio texts, and whether these changes are mere discrepancies or intentional revisions. Finally, the editor discusses the casting of the play and explains notable usages in his edition. There are two appendices that follow the play: the first examines two textual problems that are particularly difficult to interpret, and the second explains differences in lineation between the Quarto and Folio editions, which resulted from confusion whether certain lines were in prose or verse. This edition also includes lists of illustrations, abbreviations, and references, as well as a general editorsโ preface and an index. The Arden Shakespeare has developed a reputation as the pre-eminent critical edition of Shakespeare for its exceptional scholarship, reflected in the thoroughness of each volume. An introduction comprehensively contextualizes the play, chronicling the history and culture that surrounded and influenced Shakespeare at the time of its writing and performance, and closely surveying critical approaches to the work. Detailed appendices address problems like dating and casting, and analyze the differing Quarto and Folio sources. A full commentary by one or more of the playโs foremost contemporary scholars illuminates the text, glossing unfamiliar terms and drawing from an abundance of research and expertise to explain allusions and significant background information. Highly informative and accessible, Arden offers the fullest experience of Shakespeare available to a reader. Review: Arden Shakespeares are the best, and "King Lear" the best Shakespeare - Shakespeare's greatest play, in my opinion. Wonderful; richly rewarding every time it's read. There's an immensity to "King Lear" that seems unmatched in Shakespeare's other tragedies. Even "Hamlet," for all its fame, revolves around one court and Hamlet's own psychological wrestling. "King Lear" has so much, so many meaty characters and settings, so many themes. And while "Hamlet" is rather grim throughout, and "Macbeth" and "Othello" move steadily to dread, "King Lear" runs the gamut, and even has slivers of happiness in its bloody ending. Shakespeare's eloquence shines throughout: from the beginning, with Lear's "nothing will come of nothing, think again," and Edmund's soliloquy on behalf of bastards, to the end with Lear's former kingdom and life in ruins. "King Lear" is loaded with lines that readers will find they already know, and incredibly memorable passages, too. "King Lear" has great bits, such as the blinded Gloucester lament of fickle and malicious fate; "As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport." Or the breathtaking cruelty of Regan, Goneril, and Cornwall. Gloucester stands tall in the face of torture: "Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs. The sea, with such a storm as his bare head In hell-black night endured, would have buoyed up, And quenched the stelled fires: Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain; If wolves had at thy gate howled that stern time, Thou shouldst have said, 'Good porter, turn the key,' All cruels else subscribed': but I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children." Even after the Fool leaves the stage forever in Act 3, Lear can wear that hat and remember his crown. He scatters keen inights throughout Acts 4 and 5. On almost every page, "King Lear" has a "wow!" for the reader. The scene in Act IV when Lear encounters a blinded Gloucester again is one of the best in the play. After they have established Gloucester has no eyes, he tells Lear he can "see the world feelingly." Lear: "What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears. See how yon justice rails upon yon simple thief? Hark in thine ear; change places and handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief?" That's a bit too cynical and dark for my taste, but the poetry of it takes your breath away. "Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at the beggar?" Lear asks a few lines later. Gloucester has. "And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office." "Through tattered clothes great vices do appear," Lear continues. "Robes and furred gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks; Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it." Edgar is amazed and heartbroken. "O, matter and impertinency mixed!/Reason in madness!" And at the end, Lear says movingly: "It thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes I know thee well enough, thy name is Gloucester." Another bid advantage to Shakespeare plays is they can be read relatively quickly. You can read "King Lear" several times in the time it would take to read a great novel. I find Shakespeare ideal on a trip. Hell, a plane ride to NYC is all you need to read "Macbeth." Consequently, a reader can absorb so much; so much of Shakespeare can become familiar to a reader. And, wow, how much is great!! As with all Shakespeare, the Arden editions are incomparable, IMO. Terrific notes, a wealth of history and insight in the introductions. The Arden Shakespeares stand head and shoulders above other editions. Review: Excellent source of the Bard's work - Just started reading the book, but I'm already patting my own back for purchasing it. A large amount of background information about the play, including previous productions. I highly recommend this book on King Lear. I look forward to reading the Bard's other plays in the Arden series.
| Best Sellers Rank | #137,714 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #60 in Shakespeare Literary Criticism #141 in Shakespeare Dramas & Plays #3,876 in Classic Literature & Fiction |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 626 Reviews |
Q**R
Arden Shakespeares are the best, and "King Lear" the best Shakespeare
Shakespeare's greatest play, in my opinion. Wonderful; richly rewarding every time it's read. There's an immensity to "King Lear" that seems unmatched in Shakespeare's other tragedies. Even "Hamlet," for all its fame, revolves around one court and Hamlet's own psychological wrestling. "King Lear" has so much, so many meaty characters and settings, so many themes. And while "Hamlet" is rather grim throughout, and "Macbeth" and "Othello" move steadily to dread, "King Lear" runs the gamut, and even has slivers of happiness in its bloody ending. Shakespeare's eloquence shines throughout: from the beginning, with Lear's "nothing will come of nothing, think again," and Edmund's soliloquy on behalf of bastards, to the end with Lear's former kingdom and life in ruins. "King Lear" is loaded with lines that readers will find they already know, and incredibly memorable passages, too. "King Lear" has great bits, such as the blinded Gloucester lament of fickle and malicious fate; "As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport." Or the breathtaking cruelty of Regan, Goneril, and Cornwall. Gloucester stands tall in the face of torture: "Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes, nor thy fierce sister In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs. The sea, with such a storm as his bare head In hell-black night endured, would have buoyed up, And quenched the stelled fires: Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain; If wolves had at thy gate howled that stern time, Thou shouldst have said, 'Good porter, turn the key,' All cruels else subscribed': but I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children." Even after the Fool leaves the stage forever in Act 3, Lear can wear that hat and remember his crown. He scatters keen inights throughout Acts 4 and 5. On almost every page, "King Lear" has a "wow!" for the reader. The scene in Act IV when Lear encounters a blinded Gloucester again is one of the best in the play. After they have established Gloucester has no eyes, he tells Lear he can "see the world feelingly." Lear: "What, art mad? A man may see how this world goes with no eyes. Look with thine ears. See how yon justice rails upon yon simple thief? Hark in thine ear; change places and handy-dandy, which is the justice, which is the thief?" That's a bit too cynical and dark for my taste, but the poetry of it takes your breath away. "Thou hast seen a farmer's dog bark at the beggar?" Lear asks a few lines later. Gloucester has. "And the creature run from the cur? There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog's obeyed in office." "Through tattered clothes great vices do appear," Lear continues. "Robes and furred gowns hide all. Plate sin with gold, And the strong lance of justice hurtless breaks; Arm it in rags, a pigmy's straw does pierce it." Edgar is amazed and heartbroken. "O, matter and impertinency mixed!/Reason in madness!" And at the end, Lear says movingly: "It thou wilt weep my fortunes, take my eyes I know thee well enough, thy name is Gloucester." Another bid advantage to Shakespeare plays is they can be read relatively quickly. You can read "King Lear" several times in the time it would take to read a great novel. I find Shakespeare ideal on a trip. Hell, a plane ride to NYC is all you need to read "Macbeth." Consequently, a reader can absorb so much; so much of Shakespeare can become familiar to a reader. And, wow, how much is great!! As with all Shakespeare, the Arden editions are incomparable, IMO. Terrific notes, a wealth of history and insight in the introductions. The Arden Shakespeares stand head and shoulders above other editions.
L**R
Excellent source of the Bard's work
Just started reading the book, but I'm already patting my own back for purchasing it. A large amount of background information about the play, including previous productions. I highly recommend this book on King Lear. I look forward to reading the Bard's other plays in the Arden series.
A**S
Wonderful Play
Like I say about all Shakespeare: the Arden versions are my favorite. I own about a third of the Canon in them already. The footnotes are my favorite parts about it, and they're great because I don't have to carry my Lexicon around everywhere. King Lear is a brilliant play, all around. Between the family ties, the love and lust, and just the crazy existential dialogue, it's just a great read all-around.
C**R
Simply the Best
It is difficult to imagine a more clear and helpful series of the plays of Shakespeare than the Arden Series. Mr. R.A. Foakes' edition of King Lear is the best that I have encountered and that includes the New Variorum. If I could find Mr. Foakes I'd write him a fan letter.
K**A
Lauding Lear
Perhaps one of the best of Shakespeare's plays, King Lear is worth a good read. I was introduced to the ARDEN series by a class that required us all to be on the same page as it were, so I was at first weary to use them. Like all editions put out (Penguin, Folger, Barnes and Noble, Arden, etc) They all have valuable notes and references, introductions and essays on various subjects on the content, form and history of the play you are about to read. So half this book is taken up by the introdcution and history. Every Arden starts with the same couple of chapters on Shakpespeare. The editor, R.A. Foakes has a very in depth and interseting introduction to the text of LEAR which is worth a read, but of course, in my opinion, after you have read the play and tried to understand it for yourself. I personally prefer the way the Folger series of shakespeare is set up with text on one page and the notes for it are directly opposite the page you are reading, making note referencing while you read easy. Arden tends to give you notes on variations between the quarto and folio which is good, but when I'm reading a play I could care less about textual variations or how editors have fussed with changing one word to make sense of a thought. However interesting it sometimes is, I don't like looking down to read a note on a passage and its all about the textual variation, but will not explain the thought further. Final thought: Great Resource for reading LEAR, not the best for READING LEAR, especially for the first time.
J**L
Nice
Nice
G**X
This is a fantastic edition of King Lear
This is a fantastic edition of King Lear. The introductory material is invaluable, and the notes are thorough and helpful.
A**A
Good
Teachingโโvery good
A**E
kommentierte ausgabe
shakespeare ist shakespeare - da ist kein kommentar nรถtig!
R**I
Libro famosissimo utilizzato per corsi universitari
La storia fortemente conosciuta ha sempre il suo fascino
G**A
Top notch and good value
Top notch text with helpful running narrative beneath the text to aid comprehension.
N**O
Five Stars
Amazing.
M**A
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