The Marlowe Papers
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 | |
| Author | Ros Barber |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
Publication date | 2012 |
| Publication place | England |
| Awards | Hoffman Prize (2011) Desmond Elliott Prize (2013) |
The Marlowe Papers is a novel by Ros Barber published in 2012.
The novel, written in blank verse,[1] is a story about the English 16th century poet Christopher Marlowe, contemporary of William Shakespeare. In this tale, Marlowe's murder in 1593 is a fake and he lives on to write the plays and poems ascribed to Shakespeare.[2]
The Desmond Elliott Prize judges called the book a "unique historical conspiracy story". According to Barber, she has encountered hostility because of the novel's Marlovian premise. She says, "It's a work of fiction. You can believe that Shakespeare of Stratford wrote the works and still enjoy it."[3] Novelist Andrew Motion called it "either commendably ambitious or pointlessly elaborate."[4] Kirkus Reviews said "Lush, inspired and provocative, this spellbinding dossier conjures up a bewitching Marlowe."[5] Author Charles Nicholl said "Despite this shaky scaffolding of literary conspiracy, there is a great deal to enjoy in The Marlowe Papers. Barber conjures up some beautifully realized scenes."[1] Author Adam O'Riordan called it an elegant addition to the Christopher Marlowe fiction genre.[2] Author John Sutherland said "The Marlowe Papers grips. But it will pay to bone up on the relevant Wikipedia entries before embarking on the novel."[6]
The Marlowe Papers won the Hoffman Prize in 2011,[5] the Desmond Elliott Prize in 2013[7] and was joint-winner of the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award.[8]
The book was adapted as a play by Barber and Nicola Haydn, performed by Jamie Martin in 2016.[9]