The Duchess of Malfi

Harvard University Press has partnered with De Gruyter to make available for sale worldwide virtually all in-copyright HUP books that had become unavailable since their original publication. The 2,800 titles in the “e-ditions” program can be purchased individually as PDF eBooks or as hardcover reprint (“print-on-demand”) editions via the “Available from De Gruyter” link above. They are also available to institutions in ten separate subject-area packages that reflect the entire spectrum of the Press’s catalog. More about the E-ditions Program »

Gunnar Boklund’s sensitive study of The Duchess of Malfi begins with an examination of Webster’s historical sources and of the earlier artistic treatments of the story. Secondary parallels in such writers as Sidney, Herodotus, and Cinthio are discussed. The author shows how Webster exploited the characters’ psychological potential and how he shaped the incidents to form a powerful dramatic structure within the Elizabethan convention. Webster’s use of horror scenes and the question of his intended audience effect are perceptively discussed, and the book ends with a thoughtful analysis of the play’s ultimate artistic value.