One of the blackest comedies ever written, Ben Jonson's Volpone is the masterpiece of a playwright all too frequently dismissed for being unnecessarily dark and academic. Merciless in its depiction of avarice, this rich and masterful play provokes both laughter and indignation in its audiences. This Handbook: - Provides in-depth analysis of the play, scene by scene and line by line - Examines the multitude of interpretations of Volpone throughout history, including both on stage and screen - Explores the critical discourse surrounding the play and summarises the social and literary forces that shaped Jonson's work