John Webster's Borrowing

John Webster’s tragedies, The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, stand as monumental achievements in Jacobean drama, often regarded as second only to Shakespeare’s work. Yet, Webster’s creative process—marked by extensive borrowing from contemporary and classical sources—raises compelling questions about the boundaries of influence and originality. In John Webster’s Borrowing, the intricate web of inspirations that shaped Webster’s writing is unraveled, shedding light on his transformative use of literary, historical, and cultural materials. This study reveals how Webster’s deep reliance on sources became a foundation for his singular voice, blending borrowed elements into narratives of unparalleled poetic and dramatic power.

Rather than dismissing Webster as derivative, John Webster’s Borrowing reframes his use of external influences as a testament to his artistic ingenuity. The book explores his methodical integration of quotations, imagery, and concepts, illustrating how he elevated borrowed content into a richly evocative exploration of human ambition, corruption, and mortality. This in-depth examination offers a fresh lens on Webster’s artistry, appealing to scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Renaissance literature seeking to understand the dynamic interplay of imitation and innovation in one of England’s most enigmatic playwrights.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1960.