Plays, written by Sir John Vanbrugh, volume the first

In this first volume of Sir John Vanbrugh’s early comedies, listeners are invited into the bustling world of late‑17th‑century London, where manners, marriage, and ambition collide in a riot of witty dialogue. Vanbrugh’s sharp eye for hypocrisy and his fondness for lively repartee bring the stage to life, offering a taste of the Restoration’s exuberant spirit while hinting at the more daring tones that would later define his work.

The collection opens with The Relapse, a bright‑hearted romp that tests virtue against desire, followed by The Provoked Wife, now presented with a newly added scene that softens its most scandalous moments. Æsop unfolds in two parts, blending fable‑like moralizing with playful satire, and The False Friend rounds out the volume with a clever examination of loyalty and deceit. Each piece dazzles with quick‑witted characters and a keen social commentary that still resonates.