The World of Christopher Marlowe : Book Review

"The World of Christopher Marlowe" by David Riggs is a captivating and in-depth examination of the life and accomplishments of Christopher Marlowe, an eminent playwright during the Elizabethan period. Riggs leaves no stone unturned as he explores various facets of Marlowe's life, from his humble beginnings to his tragic demise, while simultaneously providing valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural milieu that shaped his plays.

Beginning with an intricately detailed biography, Riggs sheds light on Marlowe's early years in Canterbury and his education at Cambridge University. Moving chronologically, the author then delves into Marlowe's notable plays, such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great," dissecting each work's language, character development, and controversial themes. Riggs illuminates Marlowe's contributions to English drama, highlighting his innovative use of language and his influence on the evolution of theatrical presentation.

Intriguingly, Riggs also examines the contentious question of Marlowe's personal beliefs and controversies. Throughout his life, Marlowe was subject to allegations of atheism and heresy, and his untimely death under mysterious circumstances only added to the enigma surrounding him. Riggs thoughtfully analyzes the available evidence surrounding these controversies, presenting a balanced perspective on Marlowe's complex persona.

Moreover, "The World of Christopher Marlowe" situates Marlowe's works within the broader historical and literary context of Elizabethan England. Riggs explores the competitive nature of the theatrical scene, the influence of prominent figures like Queen Elizabeth I, and the expectations of the audiences. This contextual understanding enriches our appreciation of Marlowe's plays and provides a deeper insight into his impact on English literature.

Overall, "The World of Christopher Marlowe" by David Riggs is an engaging and informative book that comprehensively explores Marlowe's life, works, and the world he inhabited. Riggs's meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book an invaluable resource for both scholars and enthusiasts, offering fresh perspectives on the enduring legacy of this influential playwright.

What are readers saying?

"The World of Christopher Marlowe" by David Riggs has received mixed reviews from readers. Some reviewers praised Riggs' comprehensive and well-researched exploration of Christopher Marlowe's life and works, which they found to be insightful and shedding new light on the acclaimed playwright. These readers appreciated how Riggs connected Marlowe's experiences and beliefs with the themes in his plays, making for a comprehensive analysis of his literary contributions.

However, other reviewers found the book to be overly dense and lacking in a cohesive narrative. They felt overwhelmed and distracted by the extensive historical and cultural context provided by Riggs. Some readers also struggled to fully engage with the subject matter due to the author's dry and academic writing style.

Despite these criticisms, many readers valued the inclusion of primary sources and an extensive bibliography, which they found invaluable for further exploration of Marlowe's life and writings. However, some felt that the book relied too heavily on these sources, making it more akin to a reference book than an engaging biography.

In addition, some reviewers took issue with Riggs' interpretation of Marlowe's character and motivations. They believed certain aspects of Marlowe's life were oversimplified or misrepresented, and felt disappointed by the lack of critical analysis and nuance in Riggs' portrayal of the playwright.

Overall, "The World of Christopher Marlowe" by David Riggs is a detailed and scholarly examination of Marlowe's life and works. While some readers appreciated the depth of research and insights provided by the author, others found the book to be overly dense and lacking a clear narrative. It serves as a resourceful biography for those interested in exploring Marlowe's life and writings, but may not be suitable for readers seeking a more accessible and engaging account.

ChristopherMarlowe LiteraryGenius ElizabethanDrama