Classic Literature· United Kingdom
King Lear
by William ShakespeareAggregate Editorial Score39/100
Times Literary Supplement
Published 1606193 pagesEnglish
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Published in 1606, King Lear established William Shakespeare as one of the defining voices in classic literature. An aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters, with catastrophic consequences. Shakespeare's greatest tragedy is a cosmic meditation on power, loyalty, madness, and the cruelty of the world. Themes of power, family, madness run through the work. The book has received recognition from Times Literary Supplement 1606.
Book Details
About the Category
🏛️ Classic Literature
Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.
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King Lear showcases Shakespeare's profound exploration of human nature, authority, and familial bonds through the tragic descent of the aging king into madness. The juxtaposition of Lear's pride and vulnerability highlights themes of betrayal and the quest for identity amidst chaos. Its stark portrayal of the consequences of folly and the harsh realities of justice resonates with timeless relevance, establishing it as a cornerstone of tragic literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Times Literary Supplement
list · global
160612
William Shakespeare is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of classic literature.
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