Author
John Fletcher
1579-1625
John Fletcher (1579-1625) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Fletcher
Studies on Slavery, in Easy Lessons
"Studies on Slavery, in Easy Lessons" by John Fletcher is a series of philosophical and theological examinations regarding the institution of slavery, written in the early 19th century. The book presents a defense of slavery from both moral and biblical perspectives, challenging the abolitionist arguments prevalent at the time. Fletcher, who claims to have lived in both the Northern and Southern United States, seeks to justify slavery as a divinely sanctioned institution that serves various social and economic purposes. The opening of the text begins with a Publisher's Preface that emphasizes the contentious nature of slavery and its significance for the Southern states, particularly in light of growing opposition from outside and within the Union. The author asserts his qualifications and outlines the structure of his work, which is based on biblical interpretation and moral philosophy as it pertains to slavery. He critiques prominent abolitionist thinkers, such as Dr. Samuel Johnson and Dr. Francis Wayland, suggesting their views are misguided and overly simplistic. The introduction sets the stage for an extensive scrutiny of moral arguments regarding slavery, employing scriptural analysis to assert the compatibility of slavery with Christian doctrine and moral law.
The Two Noble Kinsmen
"The Two Noble Kinsmen" by John Fletcher and William Shakespeare is a Jacobean tragicomedy first published in 1634 and believed to have been performed in 1613–1614. Based on Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale," it follows two imprisoned cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose deep friendship shatters when both fall in love with Princess Emilia from their cell window. Their rivalry escalates to a deadly tournament, while a parallel story follows the jailer's daughter, who descends into madness after her love for Palamon goes unreturned.
The Faithful Shepherdess The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10).
"The Faithful Shepherdess" by John Fletcher is a pastoral tragicomedy written around 1608. In this pioneering work, the chaste shepherdess Clorin lives in solitude near her dead lover's grave, healing those wounded by erotic turmoil. When jealousy, deception, and unbridled desire throw various couples into chaos—involving disguises, stabbings, and betrayals—Clorin must use her powers to restore order. Though the initial production failed, the published text became influential for Fletcher's definition of tragicomedy, exploring the darker side of sexuality within a comic framework.
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 02 of 10: the Humourous Lieutenant
"The Humorous Lieutenant" by John Fletcher is a tragicomedy written in 1619. Set in the ancient Middle East after Alexander the Great's death, the play follows Prince Demetrius's love for a mysterious young woman named Celia amid political intrigue. The title character provides comic relief as a fierce warrior who transforms into a profound hypochondriac outside battle. Praised as "Fletcher's best comedy," this original plot weaves historical figures like Antigonus and Seleucus into a tale of romance, war, and unexpected revelations.
Wit Without Money; A Comedy The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
"Wit Without Money; A Comedy" by John Fletcher is a Jacobean comedy written around 1614. Valentine, a young gentleman, has squandered his entire estate to live fashionably in town, leaving himself and his younger brother Francisco penniless. When Valentine encounters the wealthy widow Lady Hartwell, his usual verbal attacks on women and marriage meet unexpected resistance. She matches his wit word for word, sparking a battle of intellects that leads somewhere neither anticipated. Meanwhile, Lady Hartwell's sister Isabella secretly falls for the impoverished Francisco, setting two unlikely courtships in motion.
The Spanish Curate: A Comedy
"The Spanish Curate: A Comedy" by John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont is a comedic play written during the early 17th century. The narrative revolves around various characters entangled in love, rivalry, and social commentary, primarily focusing on the intricate relationships among Don Henrique, a wealthy and cruel lord, his gentle brother Don Jamie, and other figures of the local Spanish society, including a crafty lawyer named Bartolus and a hopeful young man, Leandro. The play explores themes of honor, jealousy, and the pursuit of love against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal ambitions. At the start of the play, we are introduced to a colorful array of characters and their relationships. Don Jamie, who feels the sting of his brother's cruelty, engages with his friends about the nature of wealth and honor while yearning for the affections of a young nobleman, Ascanio. Meanwhile, Leandro is infatuated with Bartolus's wife, Amaranta, which sets the stage for a web of desires and schemes. The opening acts establish the various character dynamics and hint at upcoming conflicts, particularly between the avaricious Bartolus and the playful Leandro, while also highlighting the aspirations and woes of those navigating love in a rigid social structure.
Rule a Wife, and Have a Wife Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (3 of 10)
"Rule a Wife and Have a Wife" by John Fletcher is a stage comedy written in 1624. Two couples marry under false pretenses in this tale of deception and power struggles. A wealthy heiress seeks a husband who'll tolerate her lovers, while her maid poses as rich to snare a poor captain. When the truths emerge, both marriages face a reckoning. Who will rule whom? Fletcher presents parallel plots where one spouse tames another—but with a twist that challenges expectations about marriage and control.
Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the Country
"Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the Country" by Fletcher et al. is a Jacobean tragicomedy written around 1619–1623. When Zenocia marries Arnoldo against her father's wishes, they flee Count Clodio, who claims a tyrannical right over her. Captured at sea and separated, the newlyweds face obsessive pursuers, false accusations, and witchcraft in their struggle to reunite. Meanwhile, Arnoldo's brother Rutilio navigates duels, mysterious shelters, and enslavement before finding redemption and unexpected love.
The Elder Brother The Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)
"The Elder Brother" by John Fletcher and Philip Massinger is a comedy written in 1625. When scholarly Charles stands to inherit his father's estate, his worldly younger brother Eustace seems the better match for neighboring nobleman's daughter Angellina. The fathers conspire to disinherit Charles in favor of Eustace—until Charles meets Angellina and discovers passions beyond his books. Suddenly willing to fight for his birthright, the once-naive scholar must defend both his inheritance and his unexpected love against family schemes and courtly rivals.
Beggars Bush: A Comedy From the Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)
"Beggars Bush: A Comedy by John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont" is a Jacobean stage play first performed in 1622. In a fictional Flanders, a usurper has seized the throne, forcing the rightful royal family into hiding. The rightful heir's father disguises himself as king of the beggars, while other characters maintain secret identities. Through disguises, hidden nobles, and a romanticized underworld of beggars and thieves, the play weaves political intrigue with comedy as characters work toward restoring the legitimate rulers and reuniting separated lovers.