Book of the Month: The Faithful Friends

We are delighted to offer our “Book of the month” deal, featuring a different title from our existing back catalogue every month. Regular price reduced from £15.00 to only £5.00 plus postage. Orders may be placed throughout entire calendar month. Available to Society members only. Take advantage of this exclusive offer today! Download the October Book of the Month order form.

The Book of the Month for October is The Faithful Friends

Tullius and Marius go to war against the rebelling Sabines. Lelia is in love with Marius and follows him disguised as Janus, Philadelpha’s page. In Tullius’ absence, the King attempts to woo his wife, Philadelpha, via the pander Rufinus. Meanwhile, four roisterers are enlisted into the army after an affray at an alehouse.

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The Society’s edition is a diplomatic transcript of the surviving MS (Victoria and Albert Museum, MS Dyce 10), apparently a mongrel text containing several different layers of transmission.  An attempt has been made to prepare the play for the stage, and some of the changes seem to have been made in anticipation of censorship.  The play contains a verbal imitation of a passage from Marlowe’s Edward II, updated to a more recent political context.