The introduction to this edition contains an analysis of the first
quarto (including new evidence of its original dating) and a
reconsideration of the play's complex relation to the Shakespearean
histories that preceded and followed it. Charles R. Forker offers a
discussion of Marlowe's use of sources, and presents a new argument for
the drama's five-act structure. He delves into the conflicting and
controversial opinions concerning the genre and sexual politics of the
play, and also includes a full record of the stage history. Forker has
collated some 46 editions (including the important, rare and usually
ignored editions of Broughton and Oxberry in 1818). The appendices
provide substantive variants from the Broughton and Oxberry texts as
well as extracts from the sources.