William Shakespeare's "Richard III" A Retelling in Prose

I would like to see my retellings of classic literature used in schools, so I give permission to the country of Finland (and all other countries) to buy one copy of this eBook and give copies to all students forever. I also give permission to the state of Texas (and all other states) to buy one copy of this eBook and give copies to all students forever. I also give permission to all teachers to buy one copy of this eBook and give copies to all students forever.

Teachers need not actually teach my retellings. Teachers are welcome to give students copies of my eBooks as background material. For example, if they are teaching Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” teachers are welcome to give students copies of my “Virgil’s ‘Aeneid’: A Retelling in Prose” and tell students, “Here’s another ancient epic you may want to read in your spare time.”

Suppose you were born with physical disabilities but wanted to become King. Suppose you were brave in battle. Suppose you were able to convince the widow of a man you killed to marry you. Suppose you married her only so that your claim to the throne would be enhanced. Suppose you wanted your older brother, who is King, to die so that you can take his place. Suppose that you are willing to murder your other older brother so that you can become King. Suppose that you are willing to murder your nephews so that you can become King. Suppose that you are willing to murder your wife so that you can marry another woman who will enhance your claim to the throne. Suppose that you are willing to murder any supporters who have ceased to be of use to you in achieving your political ambitions. Suppose that the night before an important battle the ghosts of the people you have murdered come to you in a dream and curse you.

Such a man was Richard of Gloucester. You know him better as King Richard III of England.