<DIV>The eponymous alchemist of Ben Jonson’s quick-fire comedy is a fraud: he cannot make gold, but he does make brilliant theatre. <I>The Alchemist </I>is a masterpiece of wit and form about the self-delusions of greed and the theatricality of deception. This guide will be useful to a diverse assembly of students and scholars, offering fresh new ways into this challenging and fascinating play.</div>