Edward II

The classic Renaissance play of royal intrigue, infidelity, betrayal, and murder by the acclaimed author of Doctor Faustus and Hero and Leander.

Upon the death of King Edward I of England, his son, Edward II, takes the throne and revokes the banishment of his favorite, Piers Gaveston. Upon Gaveston’s return to court, Edward II bestows upon him titles, wealth, and protection—and soon ignores his duties as leader. The king’s nobles see Gaveston as a manipulative social climber. Meanwhile, Edward II’s wife, Queen Isabella, and Mortimer Junior have their own machinations for the throne. Focused on one member of his court, the monarch fails to see the impending doom around him . . .

Also known as The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer, Edward II is one of the first English history dramas and Marlowe’s final play before his death.

Praise for Edward II

“The death scene of Marlowe’s king moves pity and terror beyond any other scene in ancient or modern drama.” —Charles Lamb