The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (Vintage 1958 Edition)

“The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” is a play written by Christopher Marlowe, an English playwright and poet who lived in the late 16th century. The play was first performed around 1592 and was later published in 1604.

The play tells the story of a brilliant but arrogant scholar named Faustus, who becomes disillusioned with traditional forms of knowledge and turns to the study of magic. In his quest for knowledge and power, Faustus makes a deal with the devil, agreeing to sell his soul in exchange for 24 years of service from Mephistopheles, a devilish servant of Lucifer.

As the years pass, Faustus becomes increasingly obsessed with his own power and abilities, but also grows increasingly fearful of the approaching end of his pact with the devil. Despite the warnings of his friends and the interventions of good angels, Faustus continues down a path of self-destruction, ultimately leading to his tragic end.

The play is notable for its exploration of themes such as ambition, knowledge, and the struggle between good and evil. It is also known for its use of language and its depiction of Faustus as a complex, multifaceted character whose downfall is both tragic and inevitable. “The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” remains one of Marlowe’s most famous works and a significant contribution to English literature.