The Duchess of Malfi (Arden Early Modern Drama) - Softcover

John Webster

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1904271510 ISBN 13: 9781904271512

Publisher: The Arden Shakespeare, 2009

The Duchess of Malfi is one of the major tragedies of the early modern period and remains popular in the theatre as well as in the classroom. The story of the Duchess's secret marriage and the cruel revenge of her brothers has fascinated and appalled audiences for centuries. This new Arden edition offers readers a comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play's historical, critical and performance history. The text is modernised and edited to the highest scholarly standards, with textual notes and commentary notes on the same page for ease of reference. This is the lead title in the launch of The Arden Early Modern Drama Series, a series which offers all the depth and quality of thinking long associated with the Arden. The edition will be valued by students, teachers and theatre professionals.

Review:

"Here's a good idea, The Arden Shakespeare, purveyor of handsome editions of individual plays, now expands the brand with Arden Early Modern Drama. Scholars increasingly explore Jacobethan plays, and a series that takes them just as seriously as the Shakespeare canon is very welcome. You'll find the same small design, ample font size, enthusiastic historical/cultural context, full performance history and munificent annotation. For students, actors and less specialized lovers of Renaissance doings, these editions may become the luxe choice...Leah S. Marcus' lively introduction situates it in Jacobean London...Wonderful illustrations...I hope the series will lure directors to stage these alluring plays." --Plays International

"Webster took tragedy to a new level in the psychology of evil, actual horror and callousness." --Independent

"Webster's language has a musical poetry second only to Shakespeare's." --Sunday Times (of London)

From the Back Cover:

WISH ME GOOD SPEED,
FOR I AM GOING INTO A WILDERNESS
WHERE I SHALL FIND NOR PATH NOR FRIENDLY CLEW
TO BE MY GUIDE

Forbidden to remarry by her two brothers, the Duchess of Malfi nevertheless finds herself attracted to her steward, Antonio. They go through a form of marriage, and the Duchess eventually bears three children. Despite the Duchess's determined efforts to keep all secret, Bosola, who has been set to spy on her by her brothers, eventually uncovers the truth – and the fate of the Duchess and her family is sealed.

On this recording Barbara Jefford, Robert Stephens and Alec McCowen lead a distinguished company in a haunting performance of Webster's powerful tragedy of murder and revenge.

• Publisher: The Arden Shakespeare
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1904271510
• ISBN 13: 9781904271512
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448
• Editor: Prof. Leah Marcus