Author
Noël Coward
1899-1973
Noël Coward (1899-1973) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Noël Coward
Hay fever : $b A light comedy in three acts
"Hay Fever: A Light Comedy in Three Acts" by Noël Coward is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. This comedy revolves around the interactions of a spirited family, the Blisses, who invite guests to their home over a weekend, leading to humorous misunderstandings and a chaotic atmosphere. The main characters include Judith Bliss, a once-celebrated actress, her two grown children Sorel and Simon, and their unexpected visitors, which set the stage for unfolding comedic tension. At the start of the play, the audience is introduced to the Bliss family through lively banter between Sorel and Simon as they prepare for the arrival of guests. Their mother, Judith, is seen admiring her garden and discussing her desire to return to the stage, indicating her restless spirit. As Sorel expresses a crush on a visitor named Richard Greatham, tension builds over the various dynamics and past relationships among the characters. The chaotic household is further compounded by Judith's flirtation with a younger man, Sandy Tyrell, who is also present for the weekend. This rich tapestry of comedic misunderstandings, quirky family dynamics, and romantic entanglements promises an entertaining exploration of social conventions and the complexities of family life.
The Vortex: A Play in Three Acts
"The Vortex: A Play in Three Acts" by Noël Coward is a play written in 1924. Set in post-World War I British high society, it explores the sexual vanity of an aging socialite and her complicated relationship with her adult son. The play depicts drug abuse and includes what critics view as coded references to homosexuality, then illegal in Britain. Its scandalous content made it Coward's first major commercial success, though it barely survived official censorship before its November 1924 premiere in London.
"I'll Leave It To You": A Light Comedy In Three Acts
"I'll Leave It to You": A Light Comedy in Three Acts by Noël Coward is a play written in 1919 and first produced in 1920. When a wealthy uncle announces he has three years to live, he promises his fortune to whichever of his five idle nieces and nephews achieves the most successful career. The challenge sparks an ambitious scramble among the young relatives, but Uncle Daniel may be playing a deeper game than anyone suspects in this clever comedy about motivation and family deception.
Terribly Intimate Portraits
"TERRIBLY INTIMATE PORTRAITS" by Noel Coward is a collection of whimsical character sketches written in the early 20th century. The book appears to encapsulate a range of humorous and satirical portrayals of historical and fictional figures, blending elements of biography and fiction with lighthearted commentary. Coward's unique style brings to life an array of eclectic characters, infusing them with personality and charm while poking fun at societal norms and eccentricities. At the start of the work, Coward directly addresses criticism he has received regarding the accuracy of his character portraits, defending himself with flamboyant wit. The opening consists of a foreword outlining his intent to capture the essence and spirit of his subjects rather than their strict historical accuracy. Through the lens of humor, he introduces a series of characters, including Julie de Poopinac, known for her beauty and wit amidst the backdrop of courtly intrigue, and Madcap Moll, the spirited Duchess of Wapping, celebrated for her adventurous spirit. Each sketch promises to be a blend of historical significance and amusing storytelling, setting the stage for reviews of both real and imagined lives with the author's signature flair.
"This was a man" : $b A comedy in three acts
“This Was a Man: A Comedy in Three Acts” by Noël Coward is a stage play written in the early 20th century. The play focuses on the entangled relationships and moral dilemmas of upper-class English society, centering around portrait painter Edward Churt, his wife Carol, and their circle of friends and lovers. Likely comedic in tone but rich with social commentary, the play explores themes of fidelity, emotional intelligence, and the superficialities of modern life through witty repartee among its characters. The opening of “This Was a Man” introduces the private world of Edward Churt’s stylish London studio, where Carol engages in a late-night, flirtatious rendezvous with Harry Challoner, signaling early on the play’s preoccupation with marital infidelity and complex desires. As the scenes shift from Edward’s studio to Evelyn Bathurst’s orderly flat, the audience meets various characters, including the candid Margot, the clever Zoe, and the staunchly upright Evelyn. Dialogue-driven scenes reveal strained marriages, brittle friendships, and the characters’ reliance on wit to mask vulnerability and disillusionment. Tensions escalate as Evelyn confronts Carol over her behavior, leading to emotional confessions and reversals of blame between the sexes, particularly when Carol reveals Edward’s own affair. The interplay of honesty, betrayal, and emotional exhaustion in these opening acts sets up the play’s exploration of identity, passion, and the costs of self-awareness in a cosmopolitan, rapidly changing world.