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.
In this commentary on character and design in the major plays of Yeats, the author reflects on insights gained since the publication of their first book on the poet sixteen years ago. They express gratitude to notable scholars such as Birgit Bjersby, Giorgio Melchiori, Thomas Parkinson, and F. A. C. Wilson, whose extensive writings on Yeats's poetry and plays have informed this work. The author notes a missed opportunity to incorporate Mr. Wilson's second book, which was released after much of this commentary was completed, as well as a valuable illustrated account by D. J. Gordon and Ian Fletcher. Portions of the book, specifically parts of Chapters I, III, VI, and a section of Chapter VII, have been previously published in various periodicals, and the author appreciates the permissions granted by the respective editors and publishers. Acknowledgments are also extended for the reprinting of copyright material from Yeats's works, including contributions from Mrs. W. B. Yeats and Messrs. Macmillan and Co., as well as Faber and Faber. The publisher, Forgotten Books, specializes in reproducing important historical works, utilizing advanced technology to preserve original formats while correcting imperfections.