King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606. This audiobook, read by Paul Schofield and an accomplished cast, brings to life one of Shakespeare’s greatest works, where King Lear descends into madness after mistakenly trusting flattery over genuine affection. The play draws from the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king, and has been widely adapted for stage and screen.

There are two distinct versions of this play: The True Chronicle of the History of the Life and Death of King Lear and His Three Daughters, published in quarto in 1608, and The Tragedy of King Lear, a more theatrical version from the First Folio in 1623. This recording showcases the depth of Lear’s suffering and the complex nature of kinship, making it a profound listening experience. Since the 19th century, the play has been recognized as one of Shakespeare’s supreme achievements, maintaining its resonance with audiences today.