The Alchemist is one of the finest comedies of the English Renaissance, written by Ben Jonson. This brilliantly crafted play satirizes greed, deception, and human foolishness through a fast-paced story of trickery and ambition.
When his master leaves London to escape the plague, the clever servant Face joins forces with the conman Subtle and the bold Dol Common to run an elaborate series of scams. Pretending to possess magical knowledge of alchemy, they promise wealth, power, and secret wisdom to a parade of gullible clients eager to believe in easy riches.
Filled with sharp wit, memorable characters, and biting social commentary, The Alchemist exposes the dangers of greed and the absurdity of blind ambition. Jonson’s lively dialogue and clever plotting make this play a timeless masterpiece of comic theatre.
A classic work of satire that continues to entertain and provoke audiences centuries after its first performance.
Details
- Publication Date
- Mar 13, 2026
- Language
- English
- Category
- Fiction
- Copyright
- All Rights Reserved - Standard Copyright License
- Contributors
- By (author): Ben Jonson
Specifications
- Pages
- 253
- Binding Type
- Paperback Perfect Bound
- Interior Color
- Black & White
- Dimensions
- US Trade (6 x 9 in / 152 x 229 mm)