Dr. Faustus (New Mermaids)

A Timeless Tragedy of Ambition and Damnation

Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe remains one of the most iconic and provocative plays of the English Renaissance. This 2003 edition from A & C Black Publishers, part of the esteemed New Mermaids series, presents the definitive text of Marlowe’s masterpiece, enhanced with critical notes and scholarly commentary that illuminate its enduring relevance.

The Price of Ultimate Knowledge

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and power, Dr. Faustus makes a fateful pact with the devil, exchanging his soul for 24 years of limitless magical ability. As the clock runs down, Faustus grapples with regret, pride, and the terrifying consequences of his choice. Marlowe’s bold language and philosophical depth give this tragedy its lasting power, exploring themes of human ambition, free will, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

A Classic Reinvented for Modern Readers

Dr. Faustus is not only a cornerstone of Elizabethan drama but also a compelling moral tale that resonates with readers and audiences to this day. The New Mermaids edition includes a modernized spelling of the text, detailed notes, and contextual essays, making it ideal for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to delve deeper into Marlowe’s dark and dazzling world.

A gripping tragedy that asks: how far would you go for forbidden knowledge?