Massacre at Paris

Christopher Marlowe

feb 2021 · Graphic Arts Books

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The wedding day of Henry of Navarre, a Protestant from a noble family, and Margaret of Valois, the sister of the Catholic king, has arrived, though there are few aside from the bride and groom that are happy about it. Set during a time of political and social unrest in 16th century Paris, the Catholics and the Protestants, also known as Huguenots, hold grudges and extreme distrust against each other. When it becomes apparent that the mother of the bride, Queen Catherine, intends harm to Henry, The Duke of Guise, the leader of the Huguenots, is determined to strike first. With a plan to poison Queen Catherine and to shoot one of her admirals, The Duke of Guise orders his men to attack discretely before the family of the bride can do the same. However, when their first murder attempts are not entirely successful, the Catholics seek retribution. Now caught in a violent chain, the feud started at the wedding escalates into a war of espionage and assassinations.

With themes of social, political, and religious change, Christopher Marlowe began writing The Massacre at Paris during the height of the animosity between Protestants and Catholics. Based on an actual historical event, Marlowe depicts the war between the religions with beautiful and hyperbolic language. First debuted in 1593, the same year as Marlowe’s untimely death, The Massacre at Paris is among the legendary playwright’s final works. Rarely found in print, The Massacre at Paris is one of Marlowe’s lesser known works, though it is just as masterful as the rest of his canon. With high stakes and a compelling plot, The Massacre at Paris is a fast-paced and exciting drama that allows modern readers an intimate and authentic perspective on a historical event.

This edition of The Massacre at Paris by Christopher Marlowe is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover decision, creating an accessible reading experience. With these accommodations, The Massacre at Paris is restored to modern standards while the original genius and vivid imagery of Marlowe’s poetry is preserved.

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Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was a 16th century playwright, poet, and translator. Considered to be the most famous playwright in the Elizabethan era, Marlowe is believed to have inspired major artists such as Shakespeare. Marlowe was known for his dramatic works that often depicted extreme displays of violence, catering to his audience’s desires. Surrounded by mystery and speculation, Marlowe’s own life was as dramatic and exciting as his plays. Historians are still puzzled by the man, conflicted by rumors that he was a spy, questions about his sexuality, and suspicions regarding his death.