I actually read an online version of this text provided by my teacher as part of my Introduction to Drama course, so this is not the same version I'm writing about, but is the same work (speaking specifically of Volpone). The version we read for class didn't have any notes or anything, which proved to be necessary for me to really feel that I understood it. But, fortunately, these are easy to find online if necessary. In terms of the show itself, there is certainly a great deal to be amused by here, and it is also a good example of Renaissance comedy. As someone that has always been interested in drama, I certainly considered this one to be well worth reading. ( )

I feel guilty about awarding this book only three and a half stars: anyone with half a brain can see that here is an author deserving of respect and, I am sure that, were one to see a good production of these plays, they would spring to life. From the written page, however, I found these too much like hard work to give them the laughter that they so richly deserved.
The short history of Johnson at the beginning of the book gives a good flavour of the man (a bit of a lad, not unaware as to the inside of a prison cell and with at least one, and possibly two men's blood upon his hands).
This is one of those strange books, which I may not pick up very often, but which I am pleased to number amongst my possessions: work that one out! ( )