Description

This volume gathers some of the most celebrated stage pieces by one of the Restoration’s towering dramatists, presented alongside careful historical and critical notes. The commentary, penned by a noted literary scholar, illuminates the cultural backdrop of each work and offers a concise biography that situates the playwright’s career within his turbulent era.

The collection opens with a sparkling comedy in which gods masquerade as mortals, leading to a cascade of mistaken identities and witty misunderstandings that set the tone for the whole book. It then moves to a grand operatic treatment of legendary British heroes, a solemn tragedy recounting the fall of a Spartan king, and a lively tragi‑comedy where love ultimately prevails against adversity. A festive masque and a secular song, originally performed for a 1700 benefit, round out the assortment, showcasing the writer’s versatility across genres.

Readers will appreciate the blend of entertaining drama and insightful scholarship, making the volume a rewarding listening experience for anyone curious about the richness of 17th‑century English theatre.

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