Cover of King Richard III

King Richard III

by William Shakespeare

Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"King Richard III" by William Shakespeare is a play written c. 1592–1594 that depicts the ruthless rise to power of Richard of Gloucester. Determined to seize the throne despite being unloved and physically deformed, Richard manipulates, deceives, and murders his way through the English court. He eliminates rivals, woos enemies, and betrays allies in his Machiavellian quest for the crown. This dark tale of ambition and villainy culminates in a final reckoning at Bosworth Field, where Richard's past victims return to haunt him.

  • Great Britain
  • Richard III, King of England, 1452-1485
  • Tragedies (Drama)
  • Historical drama

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #1503. King Richard III on Wikipedia.

More free books by William Shakespeare

About William Shakespeare