This study provides an authoritative overview of all Marlowe's work. It includes thorough investigations of his major plays, Tamburlaine, Edward II, The Jew of Malta and Doctor Faustus as well as a full discussion of The Massacre at Paris, Dido Queen of Carthage and all his extant poetry. Analysis of Faustus takes full account of both A and B text versions. Thoroughly researched and yet presented in an accessible, engaging style, A Preface to Marlowe reads Marlowe's life and times, as well as his work, in the light of current critical theory. Consequently, it is a vital guide for all students of early modern drama. As well as providing sharp analysis of stage history, Dr Simkin reflects on the wider significance of a stage-oriented approach. The result is a reading of Marlowe that re-opens debates about his status as a radical figure and as a subversive playwright and invites the reader to experience the plays as immediate, exciting, 'live' documents.
Reviews
"a highly readable account.... a vivid and richly detailed survey of the social and theatrical scene within which Marlowe briefly worked."Speech and Drama "The overall theoretical focus is meaningfully explored in the impact that Marlowe's work has in the modern theatre and in this respect the book must be entirely groundbreaking."Literature and History "Stevie Simkin, in this 'Preface' to Marlowe, does an admirable job of processing a variety of sources and coming up with a clear and highly readable introduction."Studies in Theatre and Performance
"a seamless, objective, knowledgeable, and comprehensive treatment of its subject"

"an uncanny knack of getting to the heart of the matter and suggesting its complexity without belaboring the point"

"I would recommend it as a lucid and expert assessment of the various meanings of Marlowe's works then and now"

Sixteenth Century Journal

'..the book has many strenghts as a literary textbook for first-year undergraduates. It is fluent and confident and synthesizes its material well.'

Simon Shepherd, Central School of Speech and Drama, London, Theatre Research International, Vol 26/3, 2001.

Book Information
ISBN 9780582312982
Author Stevie Simkin
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 324g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 16mm