
THE DUCHESS OF MALFI - by John Webster
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
THE DUCHESS OF MALFI
FOOTNOTES:
In the glittering yet treacherous courts of Renaissance Italy, a young duchess strives to carve out a life of her own amid the relentless ambitions of her powerful brothers. The duke and his scheming cardinal sibling guard their family's reputation with an iron grip, fearing any scandal that might tarnish their name. Into this perilous arena returns her loyal steward, Antonio, whose devotion to her hidden love sets the stage for a dangerous clash between duty and desire.
When the duchess dares to marry in secret, the fragile peace shatters, and the court's undercurrents of jealousy and vengeance begin to swirl. Bosola, a bitter courtier turned spy, navigates the murky waters of loyalty and revenge, his sharp tongue cutting through pretenses. As whispers turn to threats, listeners are drawn into a world where honor is a fragile mask and the pursuit of personal happiness can ignite a cascade of blood‑soaked intrigue.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (160K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Gary R. Young and David Widger
Release date
Jun 1, 2000
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known for the haunting tragedies The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, this Jacobean playwright brought a fierce, dark intensity to the English stage. Even centuries later, his work stands out for its psychological depth, moral chaos, and unforgettable atmosphere.
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