These much-studied and frequently performed comedies by the great Elizabethan playwright satirize the greed, mendacity, gullibility, and pretension that Jonson saw rampant in 17h-century London society. Both plays feature colorful characters, ingenious plotting, biting wit, and sharp insight into human nature. This is the only edition to include both plays in one, inexpensive volume. Unabridged republication from the editions published by Everyman's Library, New York, Dutton, 1910.
Volpone by Ben Jonson Great Elizabethan satire concerns a wealthy, lecherous old man who feigns a mortal illness to solicit bribes from greedy acquaintances.
Tamburlaine by Christopher Marlowe From one of England's greatest playwrights, the work that set the form for later Elizabethan dramas. A 2-part romantic tragedy focusing on one man's relentless rise to greatness and eventual downfall.
Ten Plays by Anton Chekhov The Sea Gull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard, and Ivanov, plus 5 one-act comedies: The Anniversary, An Unwilling Martyr, The Wedding, The Bear, and The Proposal.
The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay A receiver of stolen goods informs on his chief supplier, setting in motion an increasingly absurd turn of events. This satirical 1728 play was to become the prototype for Threepenny Opera.
The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster The evils of greed and ambition overwhelm love, innocence, and the bonds of kinship in this dark tragedy concerning the secret marriage of a noblewoman and a commoner.
Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe One of the glories of Elizabethan drama: Marlowe's powerful retelling of the story of the learned German doctor who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. Footnotes.
