For context, this reading is entirely devoted to pleasure. I am not analyzing (academically) nor performing the plays, and my desire to read the plays derive completely from my profound affection towards William Shakespeare, and the language of the period and the point that I have been known to perform his work also is a source of reason why. I have read almost all of Shakespeare's tragedies, so the archaic language is not a nauseating barrier for me at all.
My question is: should one who wants to read The Tragedy of Richard III, with the landing of Earl of Richmond, and the battle at Bosworth Field, beforehand read King Henry the sixth, part three?
I am already aware of the ending of Henry 6, part 3, with the infamous murder sequence, and, I also have read and know by heart the "I can change colours of the Chameleon" soliloquy delivered by Richard, Duke of Gloucester in the middle of the play (actually Shakespeare's longest soliloquy in the canon, as far as the Folio text is concerned) So by all of this, what I am trying to say is I know the overall essence of Henry 6, part 3, and my overall goal is to read Richard III, and thus, would anyone who has read both plays advise the reading of Henry 6, part 3 to fully understand the context of Richard III, and further understand his character? Or does anyone believe that reading Henry is not that important in understanding Richard III? and if so, what are some things, if anything, I should know from Henry 6, part 3, if I decide to skip it and move on to reading Richard?
Insight would be immensely appreciated.
Images courtesy of the archives of the British Library (Both from Volume 4 of Rowe's 1709, first illustrated edition of the Works of Shake-spear)