Kari (deltatiger) reviewed The Reckoning: The Murder of Christopher Marlowe on + 74 more book reviews
Contrary to popular myth, Christopher Marlowe did not die in a tavern brawl over a bar tab. In a lengthy and detailed analysis of evidence (some new, much that has been forgotten or neglected) Nicholl reviews what is known about Marlowe's life and death and presents a plausible (though in my opinion far from proven) hypothesis about how and why he died.
This book is a great deal of speculation based on partial and inconclusive evidence. In spite of how that sounds, it is not intended as an insult, as the author admits that much of what he writes is speculative. He does seem quite certain of his premise, in spite of the flimsiness of the evidence.
The writing gets a little convoluted at times and keeping the individuals clear can be a challenge, since Nicholl also discusses Elizabethan spy networks at great length. Perseverance and determination may be necessary to make it through to the end. (I admit it, I took to skimming parts).
Still, if you are interested in Marlowe or Elizabethan playwrights, or want to see the underside of a time that is far too often portrayed as a period of peace and glittering achievement, the book is worth your time.
This book is a great deal of speculation based on partial and inconclusive evidence. In spite of how that sounds, it is not intended as an insult, as the author admits that much of what he writes is speculative. He does seem quite certain of his premise, in spite of the flimsiness of the evidence.
The writing gets a little convoluted at times and keeping the individuals clear can be a challenge, since Nicholl also discusses Elizabethan spy networks at great length. Perseverance and determination may be necessary to make it through to the end. (I admit it, I took to skimming parts).
Still, if you are interested in Marlowe or Elizabethan playwrights, or want to see the underside of a time that is far too often portrayed as a period of peace and glittering achievement, the book is worth your time.
