Separated into two parts, Christopher Marlowe's Tamburlaine the Great
follows the conquests of an outlaw who slowly rises to power through
extreme displays of aggression. When Mycetes, the king of Persia,
complains to his brother, Cosroe, about a group of outlaws that were
causing trouble, Cosroe claimed that Mycetes was weak, and that a king
shouldn't have such a problem. In response, Mycetes sends out a powerful
soldier to kill the leader of the outlaws, Tamburlaine. Though the
soldier's army was twice the size of Tamburlaine's, the outlaw was
hardly discouraged. Using his wit and charm, Tamburlaine attempts to
convince the soldier to convert to his side, merging the two armies. As
Tamburlaine grows stronger, he gains new allies, such as his clever
wife, Zenocrate. Though he seemed to be just a petty outlaw at first,
the leaders of prominent Eurasian countries become increasingly
concerned as Tamburlaine slowly overcomes armies and nations with force,
manipulation, and unlikely alliances. As his makeshift armies continue
to challenge elite armed forces, countless lives are at stake as
Tamburlaine's bloody ambition only grows.
When first released, Tamburlaine the Great both fascinated and
disgusted the 16th century audience. Gaining a mix of fame and infamy,
Tamburlaine the Great is praised for its masterful imagery and
language, enchanting audiences with its drama. However, Marlowe still
received criticism for the play's suspected atheist undertones and the
violence associated with the play, both real and depicted. With strong
themes of humanism, Tamburlaine the Great celebrates the
accomplishments of Tamburlaine with little regard to the character's
cruelty and aggression, creating a thought-provoking narrative that
stays with readers long after the play's conclusion. Often referenced in
prominent literary works, Tamburlaine the Great remains relevant with
radio and film adaptations, and is still performed in theatres around
the world.
This edition of Tamburlaine the Great by Christopher Marlowe is now
presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover
decision, creating an accessible reading experience. With these
accommodations, Tamburlaine the Great is restored to modern standards
while the original genius and vivid imagery of Marlowe's poetry is
preserved.
