A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 12

This restored collection brings together a dozen late‑17th‑ and early‑18th‑century English dramas, carefully arranged in chronological order and enriched with modern scholarly notes. The volume revives works that have long drifted into obscurity, offering listeners a window onto the language, humor, and social commentary of a turbulent theatrical era when public stages were often silenced. Each play is introduced with concise background, helping you follow the shifting tastes and conventions of the time.

Among the pieces, “The Old Couple” stands out as a witty, character‑driven comedy that explores greed, generational conflict, and the folly of pretension through a cast of miserly knights, love‑struck youths, and scheming servants. The opening scene sets a lyrical tone as Eugeny declares his desperate longing for Artemia, while the dialogue crackles with clever wordplay and subtle allegory. The other works—ranging from pastoral celebrations to satirical sketches—share this blend of lively repartee and insightful reflection, making the anthology a rewarding listening experience for fans of early English drama.