Description

Book Synopsis

What if Christopher Marlowe staged his own death, fled to the Continent and went on to write the works we now attribute to Shakespeare?



Trade Review

‘Bolt recreates an alternative life of Marlowe that compellingly views the known facts from a different angle.’ Independent

‘A learned and clever piece of historical investigation which cocks a snook as much at the heretics as at the orthodox.’ Independent on Sunday

‘“History Play” is a triumph because…its passion is with the search, with the idea of how our concepts of history and biography are created. “History Play” is, by turns, a jeu d’esprit, an examination of the idea of historical study and a play-filled novel. It made me laugh out loud. And most of all, it made me want to go back to the plays. This was a book that needed to be done perfectly or not at all. It is perfect.’ Spectator

History Play The Lives and Afterlife of Christopher Marlowe

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 23 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Rodney Bolt

    15 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of History Play The Lives and Afterlife of Christopher Marlowe by Rodney Bolt

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 9/5/2005 12:00:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9780007121243, 978-0007121243
      ISBN10: 0007121245

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      What if Christopher Marlowe staged his own death, fled to the Continent and went on to write the works we now attribute to Shakespeare?



      Trade Review

      ‘Bolt recreates an alternative life of Marlowe that compellingly views the known facts from a different angle.’ Independent

      ‘A learned and clever piece of historical investigation which cocks a snook as much at the heretics as at the orthodox.’ Independent on Sunday

      ‘“History Play” is a triumph because…its passion is with the search, with the idea of how our concepts of history and biography are created. “History Play” is, by turns, a jeu d’esprit, an examination of the idea of historical study and a play-filled novel. It made me laugh out loud. And most of all, it made me want to go back to the plays. This was a book that needed to be done perfectly or not at all. It is perfect.’ Spectator

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