King Lear is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters, having cut off the third for speaking her truth. As a result of his poor judgement he becomes destitute and insane yet at the crux of political machinations. King Lear was first performed in 1606 and though it was often revised after the English Restoration for audiences who disliked its dark and depressing tone and sought more cheerful entertainment, since the 19th century Shakespeare’s original play has been regarded as one of his supreme achievements. This edition is based on the First Folio and includes an extensive introduction that examines the origins of the work, the plot and the characters as well as notes on the text, a glossary and a timeline of Shakespeare’s life and work.