Dido, Queen of Carthage: By Christopher Marlowe

Dido, Queen of Carthage is a remarkable play that re-imagines the legendary story of Dido and Aeneas. Written for children to perform in the 1580s, it is revolutionary in its approach to character, blank verse, and audiences. This single-text scholarly edition is an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and theatre practitioners, with an accessible text, new research into authorship, a detailed analysis of sources, and a survey of criticism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

A captivating tale of love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions, Dido, Queen of Carthage takes us on a journey through the tumultuous world of ancient Africa. Written by the renowned English playwright Christopher Marlowe in the 1580s, this play is a remarkable masterpiece that has stood the test of time.

The story revolves around the encounter between a wandering hero, Aeneas, and the African queen, Dido. Their meeting sparks a passionate love affair that transcends the boundaries of race and culture. However, their happiness is short-lived as fate intervenes, leading to tragedy and heartbreak.

Dido, Queen of Carthage is a groundbreaking play in terms of its approach to character, blank verse, and audience. Marlowe's use of vivid language and poetic imagery creates a rich and immersive experience for the audience, allowing them to fully engage with the characters and their emotions. The play also challenges traditional gender roles and explores the power dynamics between men and women.

Despite its historical context, Dido, Queen of Carthage remains a timeless play that resonates with audiences of all ages. Its themes of love, loss, and the human condition are universal, and its exploration of the complexities of human emotions is both profound and relatable.

This edition of Dido, Queen of Carthage is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and theatre practitioners alike. It provides an accessible text that is lightly punctuated for ease of reading and speaking. The edition also incorporates new research into authorship, a detailed analysis of Dido's sources, and a survey of criticism. It assesses the evidence for early performances and provides extensive information about modern productions.

In conclusion, Dido, Queen of Carthage is a masterpiece of English literature that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today. Its exploration of love, loss, and the human condition is both profound and relatable, and its innovative approach to character and blank verse has had a lasting impact on the world of theatre. This edition of the play is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and theatre practitioners, and it serves as a testament to the enduring power of great literature.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784993986