ABSTRACT
The Faustus legend has been popular in various generic guises and thematic transformations for almost five hundred years. It began as an oral tale about the provocative actions of a fictional character modelled on medical doctors, pharmacists, alchemists, quacks, experts in natural magic and performers of fairground spectacles. While not all of these historical characters possessed special knowledge, all of them challenged established beliefs in one form or another. It goes without saying that such personages aroused much talk and gossip, and the tales which surrounded these figures found their way into broadsheets and lampoons depicting Faustus as a petty criminal who could also draw on the sympathies of the public.
