The Devil is an Ass - Annotated Edition

Ben Jonson

Casa editrice: e-artnow

Sinossi

The Devil is an Ass by Ben Jonson is a razor-sharp Jacobean comedy that combines wicked humor, biting social satire, and a keen eye for human folly. The play begins in Hell, where the minor devil Pug begs Satan to allow him to go to London and tempt mortals. Eager to prove his worth, Pug believes that corrupting human souls will be an easy task. Yet when he arrives in the bustling city, he finds that people are already far more deceitful, greedy, and self-serving than any devil could hope to make them. His adventures lead him into the service of Fitzdottrel, a foolish and boastful gentleman obsessed with his reputation and desperate to appear clever and successful. Fitzdottrel's vanity and gullibility make him easy prey for a host of con artists, courtiers, and schemers who manipulate him at every turn—while Pug, the would-be tempter, finds himself helpless amid the already corrupted human world. Through its fast-paced intrigue, witty dialogue, and absurd misfortunes, Jonson's play exposes the moral decay of early seventeenth-century London. It is a vivid portrait of an age driven by greed, social ambition, and hypocrisy. Beneath the comedy, however, lies Jonson's deeper reflection on humanity's self-destructive impulses and the futility of trying to outwit one's own nature.
The Devil is an Ass remains one of Jonson's most enduring works, a masterpiece of satire whose insight into human weakness continues to resonate. Its influence can be seen in later social comedies and moral dramas that owe much to Jonson's brilliant blend of humor and critique.
This edited and annotated edition enriches the reading experience with a detailed history of the period, linguistic and textual analysis, and a thoughtful exploration of the play's cultural impact and lasting legacy.

Disponibile da: 14/11/2025.

Lunghezza di stampa: 242 pagine.

Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

Fool's Proof - A funny fantasy...

Eva Sandor

Mildly magical. Fiercely funny! 
Jester. Juggler. Joker. Jerk. Malfred Murd might be talented, but he’s undeniably abrasive— and he’s pushed the limits of humor right into a ditch. 
Sacked from his cushy gig on the Royal island, Fred is left playing bootleg shows in dirtwater towns where crowds are scarce and meals are sparse. His only fan is an infuriatingly optimistic magpie who thinks he’s helping when he steals a bag full of shinies. 
But the bag belongs to the ruler of a Tekologically advanced country that, just like Fred, is deep in Royal disfavor. And as our former funnyman blunders into that noble lady’s desperate plan to save her people, all three Hells break hilariously loose! 
Enjoy laughter, danger and unforgettable characters galore in this “cleverly plotted, twisty novel with a gratifying conclusion” (the BookLife Prize). 
______ 
"★★★★★" 
The inevitable comparisons to Terry Pratchett are accurate. —Andrew Shanahan, author of Before And After 
The characters shine... a colorful story of adventure, friendship and deception.—Sydney Rappis, Reedsy Discovery 
A book and a writer to look out for. — Jim Webster, author of the Tallis Steelyard series

Mostra libro

Why Men Are Suspicious of Yoga -...

Robert "robear" Isenberg

Discover the captivating and humorous world of Robert "robear" Isenberg in his latest audiobook, "Why Men Are Suspicious of Yoga: Some Funny Stories and Some Not So Funny," narrated by the talented Phillip Nathaniel Freeman and published by Audiobook Publishing Services. 
Grady Harp raves, "...Jump in for a series of fine escapes from the pickles that life, at present, delivers. This is one fine attitude adjustment resource!” This revised edition features seven additional essays, blending humor and introspection to create a truly unique listening experience.Key Highlights:Against All Odds: Dive into the inspiring tales of two incredibly brave men who faced life's battles and emerged victorious, changing America for the better.The Car Ride: Relive a memorable experience from Robert's childhood at just five years old, a moment etched forever in his memory.Paul’s Special Birthday: Celebrate the life of one of Robert’s older siblings, Paul, an unsung hero of the "Greatest Generation."Learning How to Just Watch: Reflect on Robert's poignant response to one of life’s most challenging moments, inviting listeners to share their reactions.Father’s Day with My Mother-in-Law and Daddy’s Little Girls: Enjoy these heartfelt additions to the Family section, crafted with love and humor.Two Writers Meet, One Speaks: Witness the magical connection between writers, recognizing each other without visible clues. 
Robert "robear" Isenberg's storytelling prowess shines through in this collection, offering a blend of laugh-out-loud humor and touching narratives. His engaging style, combined with Phillip Nathaniel Freeman's captivating narration, makes this audiobook a must-listen.

Mostra libro

The Irish Detective

Thomas Kennedy

You are in the capital city of Ireland. Like any city there are problems. Your job is to find Irish solutions to Irish problems.Your team includes your beautiful Russian assistant Alice and the dangerous ex-army ranger, called the PMC, who has a slightly scrambled brain. Your customers include gangsters, police, business men, politicians and tailors each with a unique problem.Each chapter is a short story but characters remain and develop as the book progresses.

Mostra libro

Mystery and Malice Aboard RMS...

PJ Fitzsimmons

A 1920s cosy aboard a yacht on the Scilly Seas 
Golden-age gadabout Anty Boisjoly, his valet Vickers, the weary and wary Inspector Wittersham, and a passenger list of howling eccentrics find themselves prey to the sway and spray of the Scilly Seas when what at first seems a simple, unexplainable, locked-stateroom murder twists into a tale of pirate treasure, perilous weather and treacherous endeavours at sea. 
Just as with all Anty Boisjoly stand-alone stumpers, Mystery and Malice aboard RMS Ballast is best enjoyed by those who can stand some slight silliness in their maritime mysteries. 
Anty Boisjoly Mysteries are old-school, clean and cosy, locked-room mysteries with improbable plots inspired by Agatha Christie written in the style of an homage to PG Wodehouse.

Mostra libro

The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard

Arthur Conan Doyle

Originally published in the Strand Magazine between December 1894 and September 1903. The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard by Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author of Sherlock Holmes and the Lost, follows the adventures of Brigadier Etienne Gerard, a courageous soldier in the service of Napoleon.From a sleepy cafe in Paris, he whiles away the hours recounting his glories in the service of France. From his victory over the Count of the Castle of Gloom, the mysterious affair of the Ajaccio Brothers and his daring escape from Dartmoor Prison to his brush with the dastardly Marshal Millefleurs and his successful conveying of the Emperors own despatches through the enemy held towns of Soison and Senlis. Gerard never wavers in his dedication to the Emperor, or his convictions that he is the finest soldier in all of france, and therefore, the world.Adapted into several films and radio dramas across the years, George McDonald Fraser once cited Brigadier Gerard as a major inspiration for his own fictional comedic adventurer Harry Flashman.Narrated by Michael Ward.

Mostra libro

The Lunch That Killed a Critic

Hughie Shepherd-Cross

"He’s given his father such relentless cause to turn in his grave they might well have buried him in a rotisserie grill."  
When misanthropic London food critic Marcus Tuckwell swears to write the foulest review of all time in an attempt to resurrect his flatlining career, the last thing he expects is to be met with life-affirming kindness and humanity by its intended target.  
From the overcooked mind of funnyman Hughie Shepherd-Cross comes a pitch-black satire skewering London's restaurant critics and serving them their own arses under a hot cloche. Arrive in a taxi, leave in a hearse. 
"Unashamedly hilarious. Five stars." - Ed Fringe Review. 
"Packed with startling metaphors and hilarious tirades." - Last Bus Magazine. 
"Can't possibly be as bad as it sounds." - Giles Coren. (Yes, this is real.) 
Voice cast:Tuckwell - Fabian Bevan (Ringer)Angie - Lucy Scott (BBC's Pride and Prejudice)Jezzer - Adam Flood (ITV's Stand Up Sketch Show)Coram, Raynaud - Yiannis Vassilakis (Dead Pixels) 
Produced by Felix von Stumm. Sound design by Will Cox and Finn Heathfield, with additional writing by Nathan Brown. 
"Finally the muse has smiled upon me. My god the girl’s been coy. But… food of this quality. A chef of this fragility. The stars have aligned, my friend. The stars are aligned. Look, I guess what I’m trying to say is, soon there’ll be a nice chef-sized hole in the graveyard across the road. Vacancy for a cook..."

Mostra libro