A Dead Man in Deptford

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A Dead Man in Deptford
2003 Carroll & Graf edition
Author Anthony Burgess
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Genre(s) Historical fiction
Publisher Carroll & Graf
Publication date May 1995
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages 272 p. (hardcover and paperback)
ISBN ISBN 0-7867-0192-7 (hardcover), ISBN 0-7867-1152-3 (paperback)

A Dead Man in Deptford (1993) was written late in Anthony Burgess's life, and is the last of his novels to be published during his lifetime.

It depicts the life and character of Christopher Marlowe, one of the greatest playwrights of the Elizabethan era.

Starting in Marlowe's youth, Burgess paints a detailed picture of Elizabethan England. Marlowe's life as a homosexual may have had difficult consequences, but these were perhaps not as great as those of being a classical playwright and spy for Queen Elizabeth.

Marlowe is portrayed as a secretive, solitary and eventually isolated person. Burgess explores his sexual addiction and passion for the theater.