After a long civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York, England is enjoying a period of peace under King Edward IV. But Edward’s younger brother, Richard, resents Edward’s power, Richard begins to aspire secretly to the throne and decides to kill anyone he has to in order to become king. Dossier: The Renaissance: Art of Manners and the ‘Galateo’ Niccolo Machiavelli Richard III on screen and stage