Blasphemy, perversion, defiance and transgression ... in a series of compelling tragedies, Marlowe challenged every authority of heaven and earth. From the proud wrath of Tamburlaine, the tyrant of Asia, to the racked anguish of Edward II, himself in thrall to unspeakable desires; from God's own Machiavel, the Duke of Guise, to Barabas, the Jew of Malta, curse of Christianity: all are taboo-breakers, to be broken in their turn. And in the tragedy of Doctor Faustus we perhaps read Marlowe's own: a tale of brilliance and audacity - and of terrible, inexorable punishment.

Their texts fully restored by recent scholarship, Marlowe's astonishing works can now be appreciated as originally written. For the first time, this edition boasts the complete plays - including two versions of Doctor Faustus.