# Editor's Note explained — The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus

> Chapter companion for The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.

## What happens

Havelock Ellis introduces the textual history of Doctor Faustus, noting the 1604 first edition, the 1609 second edition, and the 1616 third edition with new scenes and alterations. He discusses the doubtful authorship of the additions, attributing them to a clever imitator of Marlowe, and mentions that William Bride and Samuel Rowley were paid in 1602 for additions. Ellis also explains his adoption of a scene-only division for the play.

## Key lines

> The earliest known edition of The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is that of 1604; there is a second edition with date of 1609, agreeing in almost every particular with the first; a third edition with new scenes and many alterations, was published in 1616.

The first known version of Doctor Faustus was printed in 1604, followed by a nearly identical 1609 edition, and a significantly revised 1616 edition with added scenes.

_Outlines the three key early editions of the play._

> It is very doubtful if any of the additions in the edition of 1616 are by Marlowe; Mr. Bullen thinks that some of them are. They are often ingenious, and sometimes they are improvements. They appear to be written by a clever and facile imitator of Marlowe's style.

The authorship of the 1616 additions is uncertain; Bullen believes some may be Marlowe's, but they seem to be the work of a skilled imitator.

_Discusses scholarly debate over the authenticity of the 1616 additions._

> We know that in 1602 William Bride and Samuel Rowley received four pounds for making 'adicyones' to Faustus.

Historical records show that William Bride and Samuel Rowley were paid four pounds in 1602 to write additions for Faustus.

_Provides specific historical evidence of paid additions to the play._

## Links

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