The Tragedy of King Lear: Commentary

Based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological Celtic king, King Lear tells the tale of Lear’s descent into madness after he divides his estate between his daughters based on the quality of their flattery—which he uses to determine their love for him. Widely regarded as one of Shakespeare’s highest achievements, King Lear captures the very nature of human suffering. This volume contains George Lyman Kittredge’s edition of the tragedy.