Ben Jonson

Drama Classics: The Worlds Great Plays at a Great Little PriceFace, Subtle and Dol Common are three rogues intent on conning the gullible out of their money. Setting up a quack-doctors practice in Lovewits house they promise miraculous services that cost their customers dear. Everything goes swimmingly, until Lovewit returns and the three turn against each other.Ben Jonsons classic comedy The Alchemist was first performed by the Kings Men in 1610.This edition of the play in the Nick Hern Books Drama Classics series is edited by Simon Trussler, with an introduction by Colin Counsell.

(See also: #3695, a different version.)

The Alchemist by Ben Jonson is a comedy by English playwright Ben Jonson. First performed in 1610 by the Kings Men, it is generally considered Jonsons best and most characteristic comedy; Samuel Taylor Coleridge believed that it had one of the three most perfect plots in literature.The plays clever fulfilment of the classical unities and vivid depiction of human folly have made it one of the few Renaissance plays (except the works of Shakespeare) with a continuing life on stage, apart from a period of neglect during the Victorian era.An outbreak of plague in London forces a gentleman, Lovewit, to flee temporarily to the country. He leaves his house under the sole charge of his butler, Jeremy. Jeremy uses the opportunity given to him to use the house as the headquarters for fraudulent acts. He transforms himself into "Captain Face," and enlists the aid of Subtle, a fellow conman, and Dol Common, a prostitute.The play opens with a violent argument between Subtle and Face concerning the division of the riches which they have, and will continue to gather. Face threatens to have an engraving made of Subtle with a face worse than that of the notorious highwayman Gamaliel Ratsey. Dol breaks the pair apart and reasons with them that they must work as a team if they are to succeed.Their first customer is Dapper, a lawyers clerk who wishes Subtle to use his supposed necromantic skills to summon a "familiar" or spirit to help in his gambling ambitions. The tripartite suggest that Dapper may win favour with the "Queen of Fairy," but he must subject himself to humiliating rituals in order for her to help him. Their second gull is Drugger, a tobacconist, who is keen to establish a profitable business.

In "Discoveries Made Upon Men and Matter and Some Poems," Ben Jonson delivers a rich tapestry of philosophical reflection intertwined with sharp social commentary. This collection showcases Jonsons trademark wit and keen observations, offering insights into human nature, societal norms, and the complexities of existence. The work is laden with Jonsons characteristic use of metaphor and theatricality, as he deftly blends prose and poetry, engaging readers in a dialogue about the moral and existential struggles of his time, while setting the stage for the themes of the burgeoning Enlightenment period. Ben Jonson, a central figure in English literature and a contemporary of Shakespeare, was renowned for his sharp intellect and understanding of human folly. His background as a playwright and poet informed his exploration of the intricacies of character and society, as well as his commitment to uncovering truths beneath surface appearances. The socio-political climate of early 17th-century England, marked by puritanical constraints and a burgeoning interest in reason and science, greatly influenced his reflective and often critical lens. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of literature, philosophy, and history. Jonsons insights remain profoundly relevant today as they encourage readers to reconsider their own perceptions of humanity and the world around them. His eloquent probing into the human condition invites contemplation and sparks discussion, making it a timeless addition to any literary collection.

In "Volpone; Or, The Fox," Ben Jonson masterfully intertwines satirical wit with moral intrigue, creating a richly textured narrative that critiques the greed and corruption of early 17th-century Venetian society. The plays central character, Volpone, is an unscrupulous conman who feigns illness to deceive a host of hopeful heirs vying for his fortune. With its sharp dialogue and intricate plot, Jonson employs a blend of comedic elements and poignant social commentary, encapsulating the eras theatrical renaissance while drawing upon classic influences from Roman comedy. The plays themes of avarice and deception resonate powerfully in a time when the burgeoning capitalist ethos began to shape social dynamics in England and Europe alike. Ben Jonson, a leading figure in the English Renaissance, was renowned for his keen observations of human nature, and his personal experiences with deceit and ambition undoubtedly influenced his portrayal of characters within "Volpone." Having been part of the London theatrical scene, Jonsons engagement with both the elite and common public provided him with a unique lens through which he critically engages with notions of morality and societal values. His rivalry with playwright contemporaries and his own struggles with patronage reflect the tensions of his time, infusing his works with authenticity and depth. "Volpone; Or, The Fox" is a quintessential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human motivations and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Jonsons lively characters and sharp humor not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful reflection on the moral fabric of society. This timeless exploration of greed and folly continues to resonate, making it an essential addition for scholars, students, and lovers of classic literature.

The greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

This edition brings together Jonson''s four great comedies Volpone, Epicene, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair. The texts of these plays have all been newly edited for this volume, and are presented with modernized spelling. Stage directions have been added to help actors and directors reconstruct the play the way it would have been performed in the seventeenth century, and the introduction, notes, and glossary further bring to life these timeless comedies for the modern reader.

The Alchemist has been described as "the greatest farce in the English language." In this newly established edition, Ben Jonson's rich play offers intriguing insights info London life of the early seventeenth century. He satirises and celebrates the confusions and anarchy of a fast-moving city world populated by a fascinating array of diverse and devious characters. Cambridge Literature is a series of study texts which presents writing in the English-speaking world from the 16th century up to the present day. The series includes novels, drama, short stories, poetry, essays and other types of non-fiction. Each edition has the complete text with an appropriate glossary. The student will find in each volume a helpful introduction and a full section of resource notes encouraging active and imaginative study methods.

Shakespeare’s nearest rival created in Volpone and The Alchemist hilarious portraits of cupidity and chicanery, while in Bartholomew Fair he portrays his fellow Londoners at their most festive—and mo

Fortune, that favours fools, these two short hours,We wish away, both for your sakes and ours,Judging spectators; and desire, in place,To the author justice, to ourselves but grace.Our scene is London, cause we would make known,No countrys mirth is better than our own:No clime breeds better matter for your whore,Bawd, squire, impostor, many persons more,Whose manners, now calld humours, feed the stage;And which have still been subject for the rageOr spleen of comic writers. Though this penDid never aim to grieve, but better men;Howeer the age he lives in doth endureThe vices that she breeds, above their cure.But when the wholesome remedies are sweet,And in their working gain and profit meet,He hopes to find no spirit so much diseased,But will with such fair correctives be pleased:For here he doth not fear who can apply.If there be any that will sit so nighUnto the stream, to look what it doth run,They shall find things, theyd think or wish were done;They are so natural follies, but so shewn,As even the doers may see, and yet not own.

V olpone, childless, rich, feigns sick, despairs,O ffers his state to hopes of several heirs,L ies languishing: his parasite receivesP resents of all, assures, deludes; then weavesO ther cross plots, which ope themselves, are told.N ew tricks for safety are sought; they thrive: when bold,E ach tempts the other again, and all are sold.