The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus’ is an Elizabethan tragedy by Christopher Marlowe, based on German stories about the title character Faust. It was first performed sometime between 1588 and Marlowe’s death in 1593. The powerful effect of early productions of the play is indicated by the legends that quickly accrued around them—that actual devils once appeared on the stage during a performance, “to the great amazement of both the actors and spectators”, a sight that was said to have driven some spectators mad.