From the Christie's auction catalogue:
The play ridicules the various weaknesses and vices of the citizens of London, and introduces the "Family of Love," a mystical sect founded by Heinrich Niclaes to which there are many references in the literature of the time. The play was very successful, and probably contributed much to establish Middleton's reputation, the 'Prologue' describing the author as not yet famous, while the 'Address to the Reader' refers complacently to the applause the play had excited when new. Greg 263 (second state title); Pforzheimer 694 (first state title); STC 17879.