The Nick Hern Books RSC Classics - a series of rarely performed plays from the 16th and 17th centuries, published alongside their resurrection by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and the West Officially attributed to Shakespeare only in 1998, Edward III is set in the age of chivalry and chronicles the beginning of the 100 Years War. Following the exploits of Edward, the Black Prince, it also acts as a prequel to Richard II. This edition of the play is edited with an introduction by Roger Warren and preface by Gregory Doran. The plays in the RSC Classics series reflect the diversity of styles, themes and subjects of the Elizabethan and Jacobean stage, and include a 'new' addition to the Shakespeare canon.