In the introduction to this edition, Forker offers a discussion of Marlowe's use of sources and presents a new argument for the drama's five-act structure. He examines the various opinions concerning the genre and sexual politics of the play, and also includes a full record of the stage history.
A history play by William Shakespeare believed based on the life of King Richard II of England (ruled 1377-1399). The play begins with King Richard sitting majestically on his throne in full state, having been requested that he arbitrate a dispute between Thomas Mowbray and Richard's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who has accused Mowbray of squandering money given to him by Richard for the King's soldiers and of murdering his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester.