The White Devil
by John Webster

The White Devil Book Cover
The White Devil Cover

Highlights

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about this edition of 'The White Devil'. While many appreciate the intricate language and engaging characters, some note significant formatting issues with the Kindle version that detract from the reading experience. Several reviews also highlight the complexity of the plot and the play's darker themes, which can be hard to follow at times. Nevertheless, it's recognized for its powerful themes and dramatic content.

Intricate language and themesEngaging charactersSuspenseful and grippingRichly crafted textFormatting issues on KindleComplex and hard to followPlot can drag at times

Synopsis

"Woman to man is either a god or a wolf" John Webster's first independent play, The White Devil

, originally performed in 1612, centres on the beautiful Vittoria Corombona and her lover, Duke Brachiano, whose passionate, adulterous affair unleashes the powerful revenge of their enemies.

While clearly guilty of lust and murder, these unsavoury characters become startlingly heroic under pressure, challenging both conventional moral judgments and oppressive social forces.

This revised student edition contains a lengthy new Introduction with background on the author, date and sources, theme, critical interpretation and stage history.

The Introduction discusses Webster's radical experimentation with tragic modes, his interest in the heroic potential of women, and evaluates the handling of both in recent stage productions.

Videos

Maria Aberg interview | The White Devil | Royal Shakespeare Company

Publication

PublisherNew Mermaid
Year2008
BindingPaperback
Edition2nd
Pages208
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-139780713681376
ISBN-100713681373
LCCPR3180.W5 2008

The White Devil is a British play written by John Webster and published by New Mermaid (2008).

Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle.

Community Reviews

No community reviews yet

Rating

3.6

2k ratings·167 reviews

Review

Buy Play

2nd

New Mermaid · 2008 · 208 pp

From C$9.71 total

Digital prices may vary by region and tax jurisdiction.

Similar Plays

Plays with similar themes, style, and content.

More from John Webster

More plays from John Webster that we think you'll enjoy.