A classic of theatre writing, a unique insight into the creation of a landmark Shakespearian performance.

Antony Sher's stunning performance for the Royal Shakespeare Company as Richard III on crutches – the so-called 'bottled spider' – won him both the Laurence Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Actor. This book records – in the actor's own words and drawings – the making of this historic theatrical event.

This edition of Year of the King is published on the twentieth anniversary of the RSC's 1984 production. It includes a new introduction in which Sher looks back at what has happened to him and to the world in the intervening years.

'One of the finest books I have ever read on the process of acting' — Time Out

'A most wonderfully authentic account of the experience of creating a performance' — The Sunday Times

'A brilliant, compulsive account' — Guardian