King Lear (Arden Shakespeare: Third Series)

In this book, the editor examines 'King Lear' as it is read in the mind versus how it is performed on the stage, analyzing historical productions and 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 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 usages in his edition.