Harold Bloom begins his introduction to this text by claiming that nothing in language goes beyond The Tragedy of King Lear. This text includes a brief biography of William Shakespeare, thematic and structural analysis of the play, as well as a host of critical essays by some of the most prominent experts on the text. This series is edited by Harold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University; Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Professor of English, New York University Graduate School. These texts are the ideal aid for all students of literature, presenting concise, easy-to-understand biographical, critical, and bibliographical information on a specific literary work. Also provided are multiple sources for book reports and term papers with a wealth of information on literary works, authors, and major characters.