The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus
 From the Quarto of 1616

by Christopher Marlowe

"The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe is an Elizabethan tragedy written in the late 16th century and first performed around 1594. A scholar sells his soul to the devil in exchange for magical power, rising to greatness through his pact with Lucifer and the demon Mephistopheles. As Faustus wields his newfound abilities, he faces an ultimate reckoning when the price of his bargain comes due. This influential work explores ambition, the limits of knowledge, and the perilous cost of desire.