ABSTRACT
A work published by a Protestant theologian in 1548 was the first to ascribe to him a definite association with the supernatural powers of evil and a death at the hands of the Devil. A fuller description of this terrible death followed in 1562. During the subsequent quarter-century, the legend underwent further elaboration. In 1572, a translation of a work which had been published two years earlier on the Continent made Faustus’ name known to English readers. Then, in 1587, there appeared the first full and consecutive narrative of the legendary life and death of this new leading character in the old tale of the compact with Satan.
