Volpone by Ben Jonson (Vintage 1968 Hardcover)

“Volpone” is a celebrated satirical comedy penned by the English Renaissance playwright Ben Jonson. First performed in 1605, this play is renowned for its sharp wit and incisive social commentary.

At the heart of the story is Volpone, a wealthy Venetian magnate with a penchant for cunning deception. He pretends to be gravely ill, using his feigned ailments to manipulate the greed of those around him. Volpone’s elaborate ruse involves convincing various Venetian citizens that they are the chosen heirs to his vast fortune, setting off a chain of comedic and morally ambiguous events.

Among the notable characters in the play is Mosca, Volpone’s crafty and obsequious servant, who plays a central role in assisting his master’s deceitful schemes. Other characters, including Corbaccio, an elderly Venetian hoping to inherit Volpone’s wealth, add to the complexity and hilarity of the unfolding drama.

“Volpone” is a brilliant exploration of human avarice, duplicity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through its clever dialogue and multifaceted characters, the play offers a biting critique of Venetian society and human nature itself. Ben Jonson’s masterpiece remains a classic of English drama, celebrated for its enduring relevance and comedic brilliance.