Dr Faustus: The A- and B- texts (1604, 1616)

A parallel-text edition

David Bevington, Eric Rasmussen

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9780719081996
• eBook ISBN: 9781526101709
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Criticism in Drama
• Index: Literature

Dr. Faustus is one of the jewels of early modern English drama, and is still widely performed today. Interestingly, the play has come down to the contemporary audience in two distinct versions that have become known as the 'A' and the 'B' texts. David Bevington and Eric Rasmussen, who edited the original Revels edition over twenty years ago (and are two of the most eminent editors currently working), have hit upon the fascinating idea of presenting both texts on facing pages. This allows readers to compare the two 'versions', the 'A' text which is the one closest to Marlowe, and the longer 'B' text with additions by Samuel Rowley; in this unique edition, the reader is made aware of the changing tastes of audiences, the stage history of the play, and of just how intricate 'editing' a play can be.With a concise and illuminating introduction, and relevant notes and images, this Revels Student Edition of the 'A' and 'B' texts of Dr. Faustus will prove to be an enthralling document, and an excellent edition for student and theatre-goer alike.

THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS

(A-TEXT)

[Prologue]

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Enter CHORUS

Chorus. Not marching now in fields of Trasimene

Where Mars did mate the Carthaginians,

Nor sporting in the dalliance of love

In courts of kings where state is overturned,

5

Nor in the pomp of proud audacious deeds

Intends our muse to daunt his heavenly verse.

Only this, gentlemen: we must perform

The form of Faustus’ fortunes, good or bad.

To patient judgements we appeal our plaud,

10

And speak for Faustus in his infancy.

Now is he born, his parents base of stock,

In Germany, within a town called Rhode.

Of riper years to Wittenberg he went,

Whereas his kinsmen chiefly brought him up.

15

So soon he profits in divinity,

The fruitful plot of scholarism graced,

That shortly he was graced with doctor's name,

Excelling all whose sweet delight disputes

In heavenly matters of theology;

20

Till, swoll’n with cunning of a self-conceit,

His waxen wings did mount above his reach,

And melting heavens conspired his overthrow.

For, falling to a devilish exercise,

And glutted more with learning's golden gifts,

25

He surfeits upon cursèd necromancy;

Nothing so sweet as magic is to him,

Which he prefers before his chiefest bliss.

And this the man that in his study sits. Exit.

THE TRAGEDY OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS

(B-TEXT)

[Prologue]

---

---

Enter CHORUS

Chorus. Not marching in the fields of Trasimene

Where Mars did mate the warlike Carthagens,

Nor sporting in the dalliance of love

In courts of kings where state is overturned,

5

Nor in the pomp of proud audacious deeds,

Intends our muse to vaunt his heavenly verse.

Only this, gentles: we must now perform

The form of Faustus’ fortunes, good or bad.

And now to patient judgements we appeal,

10

And speak for Faustus in his infancy.

Now is he born, of parents base of stock,

In Germany, within a town called Rhode.

At riper years to Wittenberg he went,

Whereas his kinsmen chiefly brought him up.

15

So much he profits in divinity

That shortly he was graced with doctor's name,

Excelling all, and sweetly can dispute

In th’heavenly matters of theology;

Till, swoll’n with cunning of a self-conceit,

20

His waxen wings did mount above his...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright
• Introduction
• Prologue