Subject
English drama -- 17th century Books
Best books
John Webster
The Duchess of Malfi
"The Duchess of Malfi" by John Webster is a Jacobean revenge tragedy written in 1612–1613. When a widowed duchess secretly marries her steward Antonio against her brothers' wishes, she sets in motion a devastating chain of events. Her twin brother Ferdinand and the Cardinal, desperate to control her and protect their inheritance, employ the malcontent spy Bosola to watch her every move. What begins as a forbidden love story descends into a nightmarish tragedy of vengeance, madness, and murder that destroys them all.
Ben Jonson
The Alchemist
"The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson is a comedy first performed in 1610. When a plague forces a London gentleman to flee the city, his scheming butler transforms the empty house into a den of fraud. Teaming with a conman and a prostitute, he preys on the greed and ambitions of eager victims—a gambling clerk, a wealthy nobleman seeking the philosopher's stone, and religious zealots hoping to turn metal into gold. As deceptions multiply and schemes collide, the swindlers' elaborate house of cards grows dangerously unstable.
Ben Jonson
Volpone; Or, The Fox
"Volpone; Or, The Fox" by Ben Jonson is a comedy play first produced in 1605–1606. In this merciless satire of greed and lust, a wealthy Venetian pretends to be dying to trick three greedy men hoping to inherit his fortune. With his cunning servant Mosca, Volpone weaves elaborate deceptions that escalate dangerously when desire for a beautiful woman enters the scheme. The plots grow increasingly complex until master and servant become entangled in their own web of lies, leading to consequences neither anticipated.
Aphra Behn
The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume I
"The Works of Aphra Behn, Volume I" by Aphra Behn is a significant collection of plays written in the late 17th century. This volume features notable works such as "The Rover" (Parts I and II), "The Dutch Lover," and "The Roundheads," which explore themes of love, power, and societal norms during the Restoration period. Behn's portrayal of complex characters in vibrant and often humorous scenarios draws readers into the world of 17th-century England with its intriguing social dynamics. The opening of this collected edition sets the stage for an exploration of Behn's life and works, acknowledging the challenges faced in editing her material due to the lack of accurate biographical information about her. The preface highlights the importance of thorough research to separate fact from fiction regarding Behn's life, ultimately emphasizing her significance as the first English woman to support herself through writing. The introduction further alludes to her unique experiences and influences, including her time in Surinam and her subsequent return to England, laying the groundwork for an understanding of her dramatic voice and the vibrant characters that populate her plays.
Ben Jonson
The Devil is an Ass
"The Devil is an Ass" by Ben Jonson is a Jacobean comedy first performed in 1616. When a minor devil named Pug begs to visit Earth, Satan warns him that London's vices have grown too sophisticated for a simple demon. Sent to plague the foolish Fabian Fitzdottrel, Pug finds himself hopelessly outmatched by cunning swindlers and charming gallants who converge on his master. As confidence men spin elaborate schemes and pursue Fitzdottrel's virtuous wife, the hapless devil discovers that human corruption far exceeds anything Hell has to offer.
John Marston
The Works of John Marston. Volume 3
"The Works of John Marston. Volume 3" by John Marston is a collection of plays and poetry written in the early 17th century. This volume encompasses several works, with the first being "Eastward Ho," which features a mix of humorous and serious themes around social status, ambition, and moral consequences. It follows the intertwined lives of characters such as the goldsmith Touchstone, his daughters Gertrude and Mildred, and the scornful knight Sir Petronel Flash, illuminating contrasts between ambition and humility. The opening of the volume begins with a brief introduction to the play "Eastward Ho," setting the stage for a comedic exploration of the lives of a goldsmith, his apprentices, and the social dynamics in London. Touchstone is portrayed as a grounded figure, often wrestling with the extravagant ambitions of his daughter Gertrude, who is eager to elevate her status through marriage. The scene introduces a lively banter among the characters, with Quicksilver, one of the apprentices, embodying the reckless pursuit of gaiety and fortune. The relationships among Touchstone, his daughters, and the suitors create an atmosphere rich with humour, foreshadowing the conflicts born from their various aspirations and vices. The interplay hints at deeper themes of societal expectations, personal ambition, and the comedic folly of misguided desires.
Ben Jonson
Epicoene; Or, The Silent Woman
"Epicoene; Or, The Silent Woman" by Ben Jonson is a comedy first performed in 1609. The play follows Dauphine, who devises an elaborate scheme to secure his inheritance from his uncle Morose, a wealthy man with an extreme hatred of noise. The plan centers on tricking Morose into marrying Epicoene, who appears to be the perfect silent bride. But after the wedding, chaos erupts as the house fills with noisy guests and the supposedly quiet wife reveals a very different nature. The play builds toward a shocking revelation that changes everything.
John Marston
The Works of John Marston. Volume 1
"The Works of John Marston. Volume 1" by John Marston is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 17th century. This volume includes notable plays such as "Antonio and Mellida," "Antonio's Revenge," and "The Malcontent," showcasing the playwright's unique blend of tragedy and satire. Marston's works offer a glimpse into the intricate character studies and societal critiques that were hallmarks of the Elizabethan drama. At the start of the collection, the text sets the stage for Marston's complex literary legacy, touching on his paradoxical relationship with contemporaries like Ben Jonson and the recitation of various plays that illustrate the depth of his satirical voice. In the introduction, the editor provides context about Marston's life and his struggles with themes of oblivion and self-identity within a vibrant theatrical landscape. This opening furthers the reader's understanding of Marston as a significant figure whose plays delve into human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the often turbulent political and social context of his time.
William Wycherley
William Wycherley [Four Plays]
"Four Plays" by William Wycherley is a collection of comedies written in the late 17th century. This compilation features notable works such as "Love in a Wood," "The Gentleman Dancing-Master," "The Country Wife," and "The Plain Dealer," illustrating the theatrical style associated with the Restoration period. The plays are centered around themes of societal norms, romance, and scandal, with intricate characterizations and dialogue that reflect the "Comedy of Manners" genre, characterized by its satirical examination of the behaviors and ethics of contemporary society. At the start of "Love in a Wood," the audience is introduced to Lady Flippant and Mrs. Joyner as they express their frustrations about the difficulties of finding suitable husbands. Lady Flippant laments her lack of success despite her efforts in the social scene, while Mrs. Joyner attempts to strategize their approaches to matrimony. The scene sets a humorous tone, reflecting the complex dynamics of relationships and societal expectations through witty banter and vibrant character interactions. As they navigate their predicaments, the foundations for the entangled relationships and comedic situations that follow are established, promising an engaging exploration of love and social intricacies.
John Webster
Webster & Tourneur
"Webster & Tourneur" by John Webster and Cyril Tourneur is a collection of dramatic works written during the early 17th century. This edition includes notable plays such as "The White Devil," "The Duchess of Malfi," "The Atheist's Tragedy," and "The Revenger's Tragedy," showcasing the tragedies and themes characteristic of the period. The plays largely explore themes of ambition, revenge, and moral corruption, often set against the backdrop of dark societal elements. At the start of this collection, the text gives an overview of the Globe Theatre and the works of Webster and Tourneur, setting the stage for their intense explorations of the human experience. It presents a rich historical context and delves into a detailed examination of the playwrights' techniques, drawing comparisons between their styles and contributions to the "Tragedy of Blood." It highlights the principal themes of their works, such as jealousy, betrayal, and tragic downfall, as indicated through characters like Vittoria Corombona and Duke Brachiano in "The White Devil," where vengeance and moral complexity drive the narrative from the very first scenes. This introduction provides readers with a foundation for understanding the intricate plots and the psychologically charged landscapes of the plays to follow.
Ben Jonson
Bartholomew Fair: A Comedy
"Bartholomew Fair: A Comedy" by Ben Jonson is a Jacobean comedy first staged in 1614. Set at London's famous summer fair, the play follows an eclectic mix of characters—from a disguised justice to a hypocritical Puritan, from pickpockets to country simpletons—as they converge on Smithfield's chaotic marketplace. Through schemes, robberies, mistaken identities, and a climactic puppet show, Jonson creates a vivid panorama of early seventeenth-century London life, where social positions crumble and human folly takes center stage.
John Marston
The Works of John Marston. Volume 2
"The Works of John Marston. Volume 2" by John Marston is a collection of plays written in the early 17th century. This volume includes notable works such as "The Dutch Courtezan," which explores themes of love, desire, and morality through complex character interactions. The plays feature a mix of comedic and tragic elements, highlighting Marston's skill in dramatic storytelling. The opening of the collection introduces "The Dutch Courtezan," a play set in London that follows the story of Young Freevill, who is torn between his upcoming marriage to Beatrice and his entanglement with Franceschina, a Dutch courtesan. The plot thickens as Malheureux, a friend of Freevill, becomes infatuated with Franceschina, leading to a dangerous plot where Malheureux is urged to kill Freevill to win her affections. The dialogue showcases a keen wit and robust characterization, establishing the comedic and moral conflict that will unfold throughout the play. The central themes of love's complexities and societal perceptions of morality are prevalent as characters navigate their desires amid deception and chaos.
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