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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Volpone
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or the Fox (1606)
Comedy by Ben *Jonson, using a series of character types based on animals to satirize grasping materialism. Volpone (the fox) pretends to be dying so as to extract gifts from people who believe they are his heir, for each is told so by his accomplice Mosca (the fly). A lawyer, Voltore (the vulture), proves all too willing to break the law; a feeble old man, Corbaccio (the crow), is happy to disinherit his son; and the self-righteous Corvino (the raven) even offers his wife to satisfy Volpone's needs. A sub-plot introduces a ludicrous English traveller and his pretentious bluestocking of a wife, Sir Politic and Lady Would-Be. Morality requires that the tricksters are unmasked, bringing punishment on themselves and public humiliation to their victims.
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