Editorial note — PREFACE.

† He says in a MS. note: ‘This copy of the original edition of King Richard III. was imperfect, when I purchased it, wanting signat. C 1 and 2, D 4, L 4, and M 1, 2, and 3. These seven leaves I have supplied from a later copy (that of 1598), and have collated with the edition of 1597. The variations are set down in the margin.’ He adds: ‘Mr Penn Ashton Curzon and Mr Kemble are possessed of copies of this original edition of this play: I know of no other, except that in this volume.’ Mr Kemble’s copy is now in the Devonshire Library, and Mr Curzon’s is probably the same which was sold at Mr Daniel’s sale and is now in the possession of Mr Huth. Besides the leaves of Malone’s copy which are missing, signatures C 3 and C 4 are imperfect, the upper half of each being supplied from the edition of 1598.