Christopher Marlowe was an influential English playwright known for tragedies during the Elizabethan era. His drama Doctor Faustus explores themes of ambition and morality, while Tamburlaine the Great showcases his mastery of poetic drama.
If you enjoy reading books by Christopher Marlowe then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Marlowe's intense characters and poetic drama, you'll likely appreciate William Shakespeare. Shakespeare creates memorable characters, dramatic plots, and explores timeless themes like ambition, revenge, and human nature.
In his play Hamlet, he examines existential doubt and internal conflict through the complex character of Prince Hamlet—much like Marlowe did with Faustus.
Ben Jonson might appeal to you if you appreciate Marlowe's sharp wit and moral exploration. Jonson offers biting social satire and clear, structured plotting in his comedies and tragedies.
In his play Volpone, he exposes human greed and deception, offering comic and satirical insights into human nature.
If you like Marlowe’s bold and dramatic storytelling, Thomas Kyd is right up your alley. With his influential play, The Spanish Tragedy, Kyd popularized revenge tragedy.
He uses vivid language and intense plots to create suspense and emotional drama, similar to Marlowe's impactful style.
For readers who admire Marlowe's dark, emotional intensity, John Webster is a strong recommendation. Webster writes gloomy, atmospheric tragedies with morally ambiguous characters and violent plots.
His play The Duchess of Malfi contrasts love and deception, passion and madness, capturing the tragic and tragicomic nature of human experience.
Thomas Middleton would appeal if you appreciate Marlowe’s ability to critique society and morality within dynamic drama. Middleton often portrays realistic plots, cynical characters, and biting satire.
His notable play, The Changeling, deals with betrayal, revenge, and moral corruption, reflective of Marlowe's critical and deeply human tragedies.
John Ford is known for intense, bold tragedies that explore dark human emotions. Like Marlowe, Ford is interested in characters whose choices break social taboos. His play 'Tis Pity
She's a Whore tackles the forbidden passion between a brother and sister, offering a powerful and unsettling look at desire and morality.
Thomas Dekker writes vivid, entertaining dramas that often blend humor with social commentary. His work shares Marlowe's fascination with urban scenes and complex characters.
In his play The Shoemaker's Holiday, Dekker portrays everyday life in London, capturing the energetic and lively spirit of the city and its inhabitants.
George Chapman is admired for his ambitious, poetic language and strong dramatic style. Like Marlowe, Chapman deals with profound themes of power, desire, and ambition.
In his play Bussy D'Ambois, Chapman follows the bold, ambitious protagonist, showing the dangerous pursuit of power and its consequences.
Philip Massinger writes thoughtful, politically charged dramas. Similar to Marlowe, he explores morality, power struggles, and human flaws. His play The Roman Actor offers a strong critique of tyranny and censorship, highlighting the tension between art, politics, and authority.
Francis Beaumont frequently co-authored plays with John Fletcher, producing smart, satirical comedies and tragicomedies. Like Marlowe, Beaumont’s works delve into the complexities of human behavior, desires, and society.
His collaborative play The Knight of the Burning Pestle cleverly satirizes theatrical conventions and social pretensions, entertaining readers with wit and insight.
John Fletcher was a playwright known for his poetic language and dramatic flair. He often collaborated with other playwrights and created vibrant, emotional works filled with adventures, romance, and tragedy.
His play The Woman's Prize, or The Tamer Tamed humorously responds to Shakespeare's earlier tale, offering fresh wit and spirited dialogue that fans of Marlowe might appreciate.
Cyril Tourneur's work is notable for dark, intense tragedies exploring revenge, fate, and human evil in striking ways. His language feels sharp and vivid.
Readers drawn to Marlowe's dark dramas would find Tourneur's The Revenger's Tragedy worth exploring for its powerful portrait of corruption and vengeance.
Robert Greene stands out for his lively writing style, filled with poetic beauty and vivid imagery. His works frequently deal with themes like morality, deception, ambition, and desire.
Greene's Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay combines humor and magic in a way reminiscent of Marlowe's mix of ambition and supernatural elements, as found in Doctor Faustus.
Thomas Nashe wrote with sharp wit and biting satire, offering commentary on society with a lively, energetic approach. He often engaged directly with political and social topics, flavored by boldness and humor.
The Unfortunate Traveller stands out as a picaresque novel notable for its raw humor, vivid narrative, and daring critiques, perfect for readers who appreciate Marlowe's boldness and sharp intellect.
George Peele's writing is poetic and lyrical, exploring history, legend, and heroic deeds in engaging, memorable ways. He often brings grandeur and poetic elegance to his dramatic narratives.
Peele's notable work, The Old Wives' Tale, blends humor, folklore, and fantasy, echoing the imaginative spirit and poetic language found in Marlowe's plays.