The works of Thomas Middleton, Volume 5 (of 5)

This volume gathers a dozen of Thomas Middleton’s most inventive pieces, ranging from sharp‑tongued comedies to allegorical masques and moral essays. The editor’s careful footnotes and unobtrusive hyperlinks guide listeners through archaic language, while subtle corrections keep the original rhythm intact. Together they offer an immersive glimpse of late‑seventeenth‑century London’s theatrical pulse.

The opening comedy launches with a tangled web of concealed parentage and rival suitors, promising witty repartee and social satire without revealing how the knots will eventually untangle. A lively masque follows, celebrating seasonal change with music, dance, and personified virtues, while a short philosophical poem reflects on love, honor, and the fleeting nature of fame. Interspersed are brief moral tales and a parodic “Black Book” that showcase Middleton’s versatile blend of humor and serious commentary.

Listeners will appreciate the variety of tones—bawdy banter, heartfelt confession, and clever irony—all presented with clear context so even newcomers can follow the drama’s lively twists and turn‑of‑phrase.