The Alchemist

by Ben Jonson

Overview

Widely performed and studied, The Alchemist is one of the world's great comedies. It was first performed in 1610, and its success kept it in the repertory until the closing of the theatres by Cromwell's Protectorate. This edition is base on a reconsideration of the early texts, with a modernization of spelling and punctuation. The comprehensive introduction details Jonson's life and the play's stage history, discusses the text in detail, and has a section of special interest on alchemy. This is a must for scholars and theater-goers alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788822839954
Publisher:	Simone Vannini
Publication date:	09/07/2016
Sold by:	StreetLib SRL
Format:	eBook
File size:	708 KB

About the Author

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was an English dramatist and poet, whose reputation amongst playwrights of the period is only second only to Shakespeare's. Although Jonson found little success as an actor, his reputation as a dramatist was firmly established in 1598 with Every Man in his Humour. This sucess was followed by Every Man out of his Humour and the classically influenced satire Cynthia's Revels. Jonson wrote all of the major comedies upon which his reputation is now based during the period 1605 to 1614.

Elizabeth Cook has published short fiction and poetry as well as scholarly works on Renaissance literature, and has also written and presented for television and the theatre. Formerly a university lecturer, she has edited the works of John Keats. She lives in London.

Table of Contents

General editor's preface
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction

1. Life and Character
2. Alchemy
3. The Play
4. Jonson's Verse
5. Stage History
6. The Text

The Alchemist
Index to Annotations

Editorial Reviews

Reprint of the Methuen edition published in 1967. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

Ben Johnson's timeless satire.” —Andrzej Lukowski, Time Out London, 02/09/10

From the Publisher