George Farquhar

Born in Londonderry in either 1677 or 1678, he was educated in Ireland and briefly attended Trinity College Dublin before turning toward the theatre. He acted for a time, but after an onstage accident he shifted his focus to writing and made his name in London.

His comedies quickly won audiences with their brisk dialogue and vivid characters. Among the best known are Love and a Bottle, The Constant Couple, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux' Stratagem, works that helped carry Restoration comedy into the early 18th century with a more openhearted, approachable style.

He died in London on April 29, 1707, while still young, but his reputation lasted. The Beaux' Stratagem in particular has remained a favorite, and he is still remembered as one of the most entertaining playwrights of his era.