John Webster was born in c. 1580 to a London coachmaker, and appears to have studied law at the Middle Temple. Although he is recorded as the author of several other works, including a history play, Lady Jane, his only surviving works are Westward Ho! and Northward Ho! (1604-05), written in collaboration with Thomas Dekker, the comedy The Devil's Law Case (1620), and two tragic masterpieces, The White Devil (1612) and The Duchess of Malfi (1614).

Introduction
Preface
Plot Summary
Analysis
1. Historical and Literary Contexts
2. Performance Aspects of the Text
3. Critical Interpretations
Resources and Annotated Bibliography
A Note on the Text
The Play