Character Writings of the Seventeenth Century

This volume brings together a lively parade of 17th‑century character sketches, ranging from the pompous courtier and the clever scholar to the humble country maid and the roguish sailor. Each brief portrait captures the quirks and moral attitudes of its subject with sharp wit and a keen eye for social detail, offering a snapshot of everyday life in an era of great change. Listeners will hear the same humor that made these pieces popular on the stage and in pamphlets, now rendered in clear, engaging narration.

The collection is organized by theme, presenting groups of virtues and vices, as well as occupations and social types, so you can wander from the “Good Wife” to the “Avid Flatterer,” or from the “Wise Man” to the “Hypocrite.” The sketches are short enough to savor in a single sitting, yet rich enough to invite repeated listening and thoughtful reflection.

Beyond entertainment, the work serves as a window onto the values, stereotypes, and satire that animated the public discourse of the seventeenth century, making it a rewarding experience for anyone curious about the period’s literary culture.