John Webster
John Webster was an English Jacobean dramatist best known for his tragedies 'The White Devil' and 'The Duchess of Malfi', which are often regarded as masterpieces of the early 17th-century English stage. His works are known for their dark and brooding characters, complex psychological depth, and exploration of power and morality.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The White Devil
"The White Devil" is a gripping and darkly captivating play that delves into the themes of revenge, corruption, and deceit. Set in 16th century Italy, the story follows the lives of two powerful families, the Brachiano and the Medici, as they engage in a web of treachery and manipulation. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the characters are consumed by their own desires, leading to a tragic and bloody climax. With its complex characters and intricate plot, "The White Devil" explores the depths of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.
The 2369th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Duchess Of Malfi
The play is a dark Renaissance tragedy that tells the story of a young widow, the Duchess, who defies her two corrupt brothers by secretly marrying her steward, Antonio, with whom she has three children. Her brothers, one a twisted cardinal and the other a mentally unstable duke, are driven by greed and power. They employ a spy, Bosola, to uncover her secret, leading to a series of tragic events. The brothers' quest for control results in a bloody and vengeful cycle of murder, madness, and betrayal, ultimately leading to the downfall of almost every main character in a grim commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the vulnerability of women in a male-dominated society.
The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time
