Volpone

Ben Jonson

Publisher: CLXBX

Summary

Ben Jonson's Volpone is a dazzling and darkly comic masterpiece of Renaissance drama, renowned for its sharp wit, biting satire, and unforgettable characters. First performed in 1606, the play is a brilliant exploration of greed, deception, and moral corruption, set against the vibrant and morally ambiguous backdrop of Venice.

At the center of the story is Volpone, a wealthy and cunning man who, with the help of his clever servant Mosca, devises an elaborate scheme to exploit the greed of others. Pretending to be gravely ill and near death, Volpone attracts a parade of fortune-hunters eager to secure a place in his will. These would-be heirs—each more avaricious and unscrupulous than the last—lavish him with extravagant gifts in hopes of inheriting his vast wealth.

As the deception deepens, Mosca manipulates the situation with increasing boldness, playing each character against the others while advancing his own ambitions. What begins as a clever ruse soon spirals into a web of lies, betrayal, and moral decay, where no one is entirely innocent. Jonson skillfully builds tension and humor through intricate plotting, witty dialogue, and exaggerated yet strikingly human characters.

Beneath its comedic surface, Volpone offers a powerful critique of human vice, exposing the destructive nature of greed and the ease with which integrity can be compromised in the pursuit of wealth. Jonson's satire is both entertaining and unsettling, holding a mirror to society and revealing the darker aspects of human ambition and desire.

Volpone remains one of the greatest comedies in English literature, celebrated for its theatrical brilliance, moral insight, and enduring relevance. It is a compelling and thought-provoking work that continues to captivate readers and audiences alike with its clever humor and timeless examination of human weakness.

Available since: 03/28/2026.

Print length: 118 pages.

Poetry & Theatre

Other books that might interest you

Seal Of Approval - The Search...

Kirk Hunter, Steve Winchell

Come and experience a journey of self-discovery through fabulous 1980s-derived music, an epic original orchestral score, and thrilling dialog and narration! 
 In a complex web of relationships, Adam, a charismatic and independent man haunted by childhood insecurities, believes that he finds solace and strength in his quest to save the Guatemalan rainforest. Unbeknownst to him, his attraction and growing friendship with Josh, a hardworking yet insecure man longing for excitement and love, stems from those same childhood insecurities. Through their adventures, Adam and Josh slowly, find their strengths from within rather than from without. Josh's friendship with Em, his quirky, yet devoted friend and assistant secretly in love with him, offers a glimpse of unconditional care, while Tess, the radiant and flamboyant drag-queen guide, assumes a sage-like role, instilling confidence in their journeys. Meanwhile, Vi, the cunning CEO of DEJ, Inc., becomes entangled in a manipulative game with Lucas, a man relentlessly pursuing her. Amidst it all, Almi, the noble chief of a Guatemalan tribe, collaborates with "Save La Selva" (A charity focused on saving the Guatemalan rainforest and spirited by Adam), provides a bridge between worlds and reinforcing the importance of their cause. Through these intricate relationships, the characters embark on a path of self-discovery, ultimately finding the strength to confront their insecurities and embrace their true selves. Through it all, the epic and yet intimate songs (inspired by the fabulous 1980s) and musical score provide a soaring ride through the plot.

Show book

The Fear of 13

Lindsey Ferrentino

'And now, even the truth sounds like a lie.'
Nick's got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next twenty-two years on Death Row. About how he finally petitioned the court, asking not for an appeal – but for his execution date. And about what happened next…
Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris – and on David Sington's documentary film about him – The Fear of 13 is a gripping exploration of truth and justice, and the chasm between them.
Lindsey Ferrentino's play premiered to critical acclaim at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2024, and was nominated for several Olivier Awards including Best New Play. This edition, featuring a revised version of the text and an exclusive afterword by Nick Yarris, was published alongside the play's Broadway premiere in 2026, directed by David Cromer and starring Adrien Brody.

Show book

Testmatch

Kate Attwell

'We're not going down without a fight.'
Present day, it's the Women's Cricket World Cup: England vs India. There's a rain delay. Tensions mount, ambitions are laid bare and a whole new tactical game begins.
Calcutta, in the eighteenth century. Two British colonial administrators encounter challenges on the field of play that threaten the entire regime. In this game of integrity and power, past and present collide…
Kate Attwell's funny, provocative play explores and explodes the mythology of fair play. First performed in 2019 at American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, it received its British premiere in 2024, produced by the Orange Tree Theatre, ETT and Octagon Theatre, Bolton, and directed by Diane Page.

Show book

This Far - Poems

Kathleen O'Toole

This collection offers a rich harvest taken from one season in the poet's creative life. Like movements in a musical composition, these poems share leitmotifs  ̶  grief and the desire to honor those "saints" who have passed on; the sacramental power of nature; and, how works of art illuminate and console as they do. They point to the tension between the practice of monastic silence and the urge to bear witness, interrogating faith in the light of crises facing the earth and our human community. At the same time, the poet celebrates encounters that offer blessings of hope, inviting us to join her in a pilgrimage that leads us, with her, "this far," and gestures to what lies beyond.

Show book

The 15th of Finality

Valentyne DeBudge

She said she'd send someone to help him escape. 
But escape what? 
Since the day Sage's mother died, he was left with nothing more than the nagging feeling that there was something right in front of his eyes. Student Council President, perfect marks and attendance, Sage's picturesque life shatters the night he meets Drew. 
An endearing young man, Drew lands in his life and claims it's all a lie. 
Every moment scripted, every movement monitored, Sage finds himself at the heart of a conspiracy. Trusted allies become potential enemies and he starts to sense that everyone is keeping a bigger secret from him, even Drew. 
He must use his wit to discern friend from foe and to read between the lines of his scripted world before the people in control realize he knows 
in order to break free in  
The 15th of Finality.

Show book

Top 10 Poets – The U S The -...

Paul Laurence Dunbar, James...

The language of Poetry is an art that most of us attempt at some point in our lives.  Although its commonplace exposure has been somewhat marginalised in today’s often fast-paced lives we all recognise good verse that can empathise with our thoughts or open us up to experience new things in new ways, to better understand and to enjoy the many strands of our lives. 
But finding a starting point can be overwhelming, even off-putting, so in this series we offer up our Top 10 classic poets, who brim with talent and verse, on a range of subjects and themes that we can all enjoy. 
In the vast landmass of North America lie huge bodies of water that are called lakes but act as inland seas, vital waterways of communication and commerce.  Around these agéd waters some of its greatest poets have waxed lyrically on both the times and everything around them.

Show book