
The drama opens with a fierce, larger‑than‑life shepherd from the steppes of Scythia, whose ambition drives him to conquer kingdoms and proclaim himself a monarch. His meteoric rise is fueled by brutal battles and charismatic oratory that both terrifies and inspires those who hear him. Listeners are drawn into a world where power is measured in bloodshed and the claim of being a “scourge of God” hangs over every triumph.
Early scenes focus on his ruthless campaigns and the uneasy loyalty of his followers, setting the stage for a clash between personal desire and the demands of empire. The play’s poetic language swells with grand speeches, especially as Tamburlaine confronts love, loss, and the moral weight of his conquests. This first part promises a vivid portrait of a man who reshapes history while wrestling with the darkness that his own ambition awakens.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (123K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Gary R. Young, and David Widger
Release date
1997-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1564–1593
A dazzling and dangerous talent of the English Renaissance, this playwright and poet helped shape the stage before dying violently at just 29. His work is bold, musical, and full of restless ambition, from overreaching scholars to conquerors and kings.
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