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An authoritative text of Marlowe's classic play, with notes and a substantial introduction giving historical background, dramatic context, and performance history, including cinematic history. This text is based on the authoritative edition by Irving Ribner, updated, with much additional material on performance, by James H. Lake.

Interviews with Ralph Alan Cohen of Shenandoah Shakespeare and Andreas Teuber (Mephistopheles in the Richard Burton production) discuss issues of performance. Includes illustrations, a useful timeline, a list of topics designed to promote discussion, and a up-to-date bibliography.