Dr Faustus based on the A text (New Mermaids) - Softcover

Christopher Marlowe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0713667907 ISBN 13: 9780713667905

Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, 2007

Synopsis

This edition is based on the earlier version of this hugely successful Renaissance tragedy, the A-text published in 1604 which, it is generally agreed, preserves much of Marlowe's original version. In addition, it separately includes the scenes that were adapted or added in the B-text of 1616. Marlowe joined the form of the late medieval morality play to the historical material found in the German tale of Johann Faust, who sells his soul to the devil in return of infinite power and knowledge. Ironically undercutting the aspirations of Renaissance Man, the play presents a devil who fails to impress the sinner with the realities of hell - 'I think hell's a fable,' Faustus shrugs - and calls into question the medium of theatre, which time and again serves the devil to distract Faustus when the pious promptings of his heart threaten to lead him to repentance.

About this title

Review:

"Michael Keefer's knowledge of this play and of its philosophical roots is unrivalled; he has produced exactly what we need." -- A.D. Nuttall, New College, Oxford University

About the Author:

Ros King is Professor of English at the University of Southampton, and Director of the Centre of Medieval and Renaissance Culture. She is author of several books including The Winter's Tale, for Palgrave's Shakespeare Handbook Series and editor of Comedy of Errors for Cambridge's New Shakespeare Series.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0713667907
• ISBN 13: 9780713667905
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144
• Editor: Roma Gill