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- The Tragical History of Doctor FaustusFrom the Quarto of 1616
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The Tragical History of Doctor FaustusFrom the Quarto of 1616
Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus first appeared in its 1616 quarto version, presenting a scholar's pact with infernal powers.
The 1616 quarto of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus depicts a scholar's dangerous bargain for supernatural abilities. Faustus, dissatisfied with earthly learning, summons Lucifer and Mephistopheles, trading his soul for twenty-four years of magical power and knowledge. The play traces his subsequent actions, from conjuring demons to demanding Helen of Troy, all while his damnation looms. Marlowe's drama examines the consequences of unchecked ambition and the allure of forbidden power. It questions the limits of human desire against divine retribution. The text is rich with references to magic, astrology, and demonology, reflecting contemporary fascination with the occult. Faustus's descent serves as a stark warning about the price of ultimate worldly gain when divorced from spiritual concerns.
📝 About the book: The Tragical History of Doctor FaustusFrom the Quarto of 1616
Christopher Marlowe's 'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus' is a profound exploration of the human quest for forbidden knowledge and power, where the boundaries between the earthly and the divine dissolve into a set of mystical and occult symbolism. The play follows the scholarly Faustus, who, driven by an insatiable curiosity, invokes the devil in exchange for ultimate knowledge and earthly power. This labyrinth of hidden knowledge challenges readers to confront the deepest mysteries of existence, making it an essential read for those intrigued by the occult and the hermetic arts. The dense, atmospheric narrative is steeped in the allure of the unknown, inviting readers to explore the philosophical and esoteric significance of Faustus's tragic journey. This work is ideal for seekers of hidden truths, scholars of the occult, and practitioners of ritual magic who wish to explore the depths of human ambition and its consequences.
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose
Why this book is worth reading
Why read 'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus'? This timeless tale offers a profound exploration of the human quest for forbidden knowledge and the consequences of crossing divine boundaries. Ideal for seekers of hidden truths, scholars of the occult, and practitioners of ritual magic, this work provides useful insights into the mystical and esoteric traditions. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of human ambition.
⭐ Customer reviews
Customer rating
Christopher Marlowe's 'The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus' stands as an important work in the field of esoteric literature. The play's exploration of Faustus's pact with the devil is rich in mystical and occult symbolism, providing useful insights into the human desire for forbidden knowledge. Marlowe masterfully combines themes of ambition, consequence, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This work is a must-read for those interested in the hermetic traditions and the darker aspects of the human psyche. Its strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and dread, making it an invaluable resource for both scholars and practitioners of the occult.
Took a chance on this and glad I did. I appreciated how the argument builds steadily from first principles. I'd have loved an index, but that's on the original text. Recommended with reservations.
As someone who reads a lot in this field, I can be picky. Not a light read, but far more accessible than I feared. My only regret is not ordering it sooner.
I collect works on this subject and this is a worthy addition. The ideas are old but land with surprising force today. Would buy from this store again.
Bought this as a gift for my sister and ended up ordering a second copy for myself. A text you study rather than simply read. Some sections stopped me cold in the best way. Solid, if not essential.
This exceeded my expectations. Not a light read, but far more accessible than I feared. It assumes more background than a beginner might have. Happy enough with the purchase.
Ordered this after seeing it referenced in another book I was studying. The historical context alone makes it worth the price. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. A few pages arrived with light corner wear, though nothing serious. Good, with the caveats above.
