Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first volume to appear in the Cambridge edition of the works of John Webster, beginning with the plays The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi. The following volume planned for publication will include the other plays as well as the poems and prose. While both The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi are available in modernized versions, the Cambridge edition incorporates the more recent editorial scholarship including valuable information on Webster's biography, critical methods, and textual theory. In particular, the edition integrates theatrical aspects of the texts with their bibliographical and literary features in a way not previously attempted for a scholarly edition of a Jacobean dramatist. The edition also presents previously unpublished material including a fragment of an otherwise lost play and a hitherto unknown poem and provides a brief biography of Webster, a history of the Webster canon, and reception history for each play.
Trade Review'… immense browsability' Anthony Burgess, The Observer
'… an indispensable and indeed path-breaking guide.' The L.A. Times
'… conceptually generous … on overall points Cambridge wins. Its breadth of vision is the chief reason.' The Guardian
'The editors provide careful and comprehensive notes to each of the texts as well as separate literary, textual, and theatrical introductions to each of the plays. the volume is an indispensable addition to Webster scholarship.' Studies in English Literature
'This is an extremely satisfying edition. Essentially a reference book, it will promote both scholarly and theatrical engagement with these other Webster plays.' Sixteenth Century Journal
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations; General Preface; Acknowledgements; List of Abbreviations; The Webster canon; Part I. General Introductions: 1. The life of John Webster; 2. General critical introduction; 3. General theatrical introduction; 4. General textual introduction; Part II. The White Devil; Date of the Play; Critical Introduction; Theatrical Introduction; Textual Introduction; The White Devil; Part III. The Duchess of Malfi.
