Plays and Poems

The Elizabethan and Jacobean era are known for many things, but they would be incomplete without the works of John Marston; English playwright, poet and brilliant satirist.

Known for his vigorous, obscure, and controversial works, Marston began his literary career in 1598 with an erotic poem titled, "The Metamorphosis of Pigmalions Image and Certaine Satyres." Marston's works were often so controversial or "problematic" that "The Scourge," one of his satires, was burnt by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

There are not a lot Playwrights who dared to break convention in the 16th century, but Marston did that fearlessly and relentlessly.

In this book, you will find one of his most acclaimed works "The Insatiate Countess," based on Bianca Maria, a countess executed for adultery, and known as his most erotic play. As well as two other vital 16th century plays - "Princelye Pleasures at the Courte at Kenelwoorth" and Udall's "Ralph Royster Doyster".