The Duchess of Malfi

Edited and with an Introduction by Frank Kermode

A Woman Killed with Kindness by Thomas Heywood

Volpone by Ben Jonson

The Revenger’s Tragedy by Cyril Tourneur

The Maid’s Tragedy by John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont

A Chaste Maid in Cheapside by Thomas Middleton

The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster

The Changeling by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley

The lyrical, bloodthirsty tragedies and witty urban comedies in this original collection were first performed during the reign of King James I (1603—25). Though nearly four centuries old, they display surprisingly modern sensibilities regarding sex, violence, morality, and honor. Brilliantly introduced and annotated by Frank Kermode, these seven Jacobean masterpieces are the finest and most representative plays of a time when drama was the most vital and important mirror of English society.

From the Trade Paperback edition.