Volpone Or the Fox

<p><i>Volpone Or The Fox</i> is Ben Jonson's great parable of greed self-interest and inheritance. Using animal fable to satirize the wealthy and the greedy it remains one of his most distinctive and compelling dramatic works. <p/>Jonson wrote the play for performance in 1606 and orchestrated its publication the following year. In it the wealthy Venetian Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed encouraging Voltore Corbaccio and Corvino-the vulture raven and crow-to compete for his fortune. With unflinching harshness and biting humour Jonson portrays a society damningly hollowed out by over-monetization. <p/>This edition has been prepared by leading textual expert John Jowett. With incisive scholarship he explores the play's craftsmanship and examines how theatre practitioners and critics engage with it. Detailed notes explicate an authoritative text and breathe new life into it for readers today. <p/><b>Arden Early Modern Drama </b>editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary to guide the reader through a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play. <p/>This edition provides: <br> A clear and authoritative text<br> Detailed on-page commentary notes<br> A comprehensive illustrated introduction to the play's<br>historical cultural and performance contexts<br> A bibliography of references and further reading</p>