Book of the Week | 3: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

King Lear

An outbreak of the plague threatens the livelihood of Shakespeare when the theatres are closed.

Listen
Further Information

More episodes from this series

Book of the Week | 1: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Book of the Week | 1: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

14'08''

In 1606, Shakespeare was writing for a royal family hungry for new entertainment while the threats of plague, ...

Book of the Week | 2: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Book of the Week | 2: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

15'00''

The impact of the Gunpowder Plot of late 1605 has implications for contemporary playwrights.

Book of the Week | 3: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Book of the Week | 3: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

15'00''

An outbreak of the plague threatens the livelihood of Shakespeare when the theatres are closed.

Book of the Week | 4: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Book of the Week | 4: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

15'00''

Religious tensions come to the fore, aided by the king's insistence on an oath of allegiance.

Book of the Week | 5: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Book of the Week | 5: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

15'00''

King James's quest for the union of England and Scotland is not easily resolved.
Similar plays, poems and sonnets
King Lear | BBC Radio 4

Book of the Week | William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

In 1606, Shakespeare was writing for a royal family hungry for new entertainment while the threats of plague, insurrection and rebellion threatened English society.
King Lear | BBC Radio 4

Book of the Week | 4: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear

Religious tensions come to the fore, aided by the king's insistence on an oath of allegiance.