Ben Jonson

Step back into the vibrant world of 17th-century English drama with Ben Jonson's "Cynthia's Revels," a captivating comedy from the Shakespearean era. This meticulously prepared edition offers a window into the literary landscape of a pivotal time. A celebrated work by one of the age's most influential playwrights, "Cynthia's Revels" provides enduring insight into the dramatic arts. Explore the themes and conventions that defined the period in this classic example of English drama. Discover the sharp wit and social commentary that marked Jonson's work. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of theater, "Cynthia's Revels" remains a significant contribution to English literary tradition. This edition preserves the essence of Jonson's original work. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Step back into the vibrant world of 17th-century English drama with Ben Jonson's "Cynthia's Revels," a captivating comedy from the Shakespearean era. This meticulously prepared edition offers a window into the literary landscape of a pivotal time. A celebrated work by one of the age's most influential playwrights, "Cynthia's Revels" provides enduring insight into the dramatic arts. Explore the themes and conventions that defined the period in this classic example of English drama. Discover the sharp wit and social commentary that marked Jonson's work. A must-read for anyone interested in the history of theater, "Cynthia's Revels" remains a significant contribution to English literary tradition. This edition preserves the essence of Jonson's original work. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Volpone, Or, The Fox is Ben Jonson’s great parable of greed, self-interest and inheritance. Using animal fable to satirize the wealthy and the greedy, it remains one of his most distinctive and compelling dramatic works. Jonson wrote the play for performance in 1606, and orchestrated its publication the following year. In it, the wealthy Venetian Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed, encouraging Voltore, Corbaccio and Corvino—the vulture, raven and crow—to compete for his fortune. With unflinching harshness and biting humour, Jonson portrays a society damningly hollowed out by over-monetization. This edition has been prepared by leading textual expert, John Jowett. With incisive scholarship, he explores the play’s craftsmanship and examines how theatre practitioners and critics engage with it. Detailed notes explicate an authoritative text and breathe new life into it for readers today. Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary to guide the reader through a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play. This edition provides: A clear and authoritative text Detailed on-page commentary notes A comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play’shistorical, cultural and performance contexts A bibliography of references and further reading

Volpone, Or, The Fox is Ben Jonson’s great parable of greed, self-interest and inheritance. Using animal fable to satirize the wealthy and the greedy, it remains one of his most distinctive and compelling dramatic works. Jonson wrote the play for performance in 1606, and orchestrated its publication the following year. In it, the wealthy Venetian Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed, encouraging Voltore, Corbaccio and Corvino—the vulture, raven and crow—to compete for his fortune. With unflinching harshness and biting humour, Jonson portrays a society damningly hollowed out by over-monetization. This edition has been prepared by leading textual expert, John Jowett. With incisive scholarship, he explores the play’s craftsmanship and examines how theatre practitioners and critics engage with it. Detailed notes explicate an authoritative text and breathe new life into it for readers today. Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary to guide the reader through a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play. This edition provides: A clear and authoritative text Detailed on-page commentary notes A comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play’shistorical, cultural and performance contexts A bibliography of references and further reading

Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

Set in early 17th-century London this play is renowned for its sharp wit, intricate plot, and vibrant characters. Jonson masterfully crafts a story centered around the wealthy, old Morose, who detests noise and yearns for a quiet life, leading him to marry the seemingly silent Epicoene. However, his quest for tranquility quickly unravels in a series of comedic twists and turns, revealing the true nature of his bride and the scheming surrounding his fortune. The play stands out for its satirical take on the societal norms of the Jacobean era, particularly in its portrayal of gender dynamics and the folly of human desires. Jonson's clever use of irony, disguise, and miscommunication makes "Epicoene" a timeless piece, offering a humorous yet insightful commentary on the complexities of human relationships. Epicoene is a must-read for those who appreciate classic literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare's contemporaries, and for anyone interested in the exploration of gender and social satire in early modern drama.