Vivid and daring in Marlowe’s time and ours, Edward II has captivated generations of readers, audiences and performers with its evocative portrayal of passionate friendship, kingly power and brutal retribution. Leading scholar Jeffrey Masten’s new edition of Marlowe’s great tragedy distils its importance for the history of queer sexuality, historical drama and modern performance alike. Drawing on new research into Edward’s earliest readers, as well as modern stage, film and operatic adaptations, Masten unpacks the play’s early meanings and modern resonances to spotlight its radical potential across a span of 400 years.

This edition gives students a modernised, comprehensively annotated text with a detailed, illustrated introduction addressing Marlowe’s life and education, the play’s influence as a history play and its sexual, religious and national politics. Highlighted as well are Derek Jarman’s landmark queer film adaption of Edward II and celebrated performances by Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Tilda Swinton.

Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary to guide the reader through a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play.

This edition provides:

- A clear and authoritative text
- Detailed on-page commentary notes
- A comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play’s historical, cultural and performance contexts
- A guide to reading an original printed page of the 1594 text
- A bibliography of references and further reading