The Alchemist
Widely performed and studied, The Alchemist is one of the world’s great comedies. It was first performed in 1610, and its success kept it in the repertory until the closing of the theatres. After the Restoration, it was one of the first plays to be revived and it has been produced with increasing frequency ever since. This edition is based on a reconsideration of the early texts, but the spelling and punctuation are modernised. The comprehensive introduction details Jonson’s life and the play’s stage history, discusses the text in detail, and has a section of special interest on alchemy. This is a must for scholars and theatre-goers alike.
Reviews
Vicky Nuñez @vicky21
Ben Jonson is a great writer who's only mistake must be to have been born at the same time as the great Shakespeare. Full of satire and sexual innuendos, The Alchemist narrates the tale of two rogues, one the alchemist who promises people to turn all their items to gold and the other his helper. Matched with a prostitute who fools around with them it makes a comic tale of lust and greed.
lauren carla@laurenslibros
Kwan Ann Tan@kwananntan
Joshua Line@fictionjunky
Christina@xtina