The Jew of Malta
Christopher Marlowe's tragedy, written around 1589, opens with a prologue spoken by the ghost of Machiavelli. Barabas, the richest merchant in Malta, has his fortune seized by the island's governor to pay tribute owed to the Turks, and he sets out to recover it and take revenge. His schemes draw in his daughter Abigail, her suitors, two friars and the slave Ithamore, and each crime requires another. The play mixes savage farce with tragedy, and its villain's asides to the audience are both comic and chilling. It was one of the most popular plays of its time and shaped later stage villains, including Shakespeare's Shylock. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first act is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Jew of Malta
The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Jew of Malta online?
Yes. The Jew of Malta opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Jew of Malta free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Jew of Malta is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Jew of Malta in the public domain?
Yes. The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Jew of Malta?
About 1 h 44 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Jew of Malta?
The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is filed under "Drama" in the Vinteuil library.
