Subject
English drama (Comedy) Books
Best books
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.
William Congreve
The Way of the World
"The Way of the World" by William Congreve is a comedy play first performed in 1700. Set among London's upper class, it follows the intricate romance between Mirabell and Millamant, who must navigate deception, social maneuvering, and family obstacles to marry. Mirabell needs Lady Wishfort's blessing to secure Millamant's full dowry, but the bitter widow despises him and prefers her own nephew as a suitor. Through elaborate schemes and witty dialogue, the play satirizes marriage as a business transaction while exploring themes of love, reputation, and high society's superficiality.
William Congreve
Love for Love: A Comedy
"Love for Love: A Comedy by William Congreve" is a Restoration comedy written in 1695. Valentine, a young man drowning in debt, signs away his inheritance to escape his creditors and win his father's help. But when he realizes his mistake, he must resort to desperate measures—even feigning madness—to avoid losing everything. Meanwhile, the wealthy Angelica holds the key to his fate, though her true intentions remain unclear until the final moment.
Ben Jonson
Every Man in His Humor
"Every Man in His Humour" by Ben Jonson is a comedy performed in 1598. This groundbreaking "humours comedy" presents characters dominated by singular obsessions and quirks. When a concerned father tries to spy on his wayward son's activities in the city, his servant continually undermines the surveillance. Meanwhile, a merchant spirals into intense jealousy, convinced his wife is betraying him. Surrounding these entangled plots, a colorful cast of English types—boastful soldiers, country fools, and pretentious poets—collide in escalating complications that only a wise judge might untangle.
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.
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.
Ben Jonson
Every Man out of His Humour
"Every Man out of His Humour" by Ben Jonson is a satirical comedy play written in 1599. A sequel to Jonson's earlier success "Every Man in His Humour," this play satirizes social ambition and literary rivalries of Elizabethan London. The work features characters that mock real-world figures and playwrights, including pointed references to the theatrical disputes of the era. Though less successful on stage than its predecessor, the play was published three times in 1600 and includes notable allusions to Shakespeare's works.
Richard Steele
Richard Steele Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken
"The Complete Plays of Richard Steele" by Sir Richard Steele is a collection of comedies written in the early 18th century. This anthology highlights Steele's contributions to the English drama, showcasing his wit and humor similar to that found in his renowned periodical essays like the "Tatler" and "Spectator." The plays included tackle themes of love, society, and morality, featuring characters such as the earnest widower Lord Brumpton and the charming Lady Sharlot. The opening of the collection introduces Richard Steele's background and his journey as a playwright while elaborating on the theatrical landscape of his time. It reveals how Steele’s early life, including a brief military career, informed his comedic writing and themes, culminating in stage productions like "The Funeral," which critiques societal attitudes towards mourning and showcases his satirical perspective on human behavior. The text provides an insightful overview of the historical context and highlights significant elements that resonate throughout his works.
Bernard Shaw
Androcles and the Lion
"Androcles and the Lion" by Bernard Shaw is a play written in 1912. It retells the ancient fable of a Christian slave who removes a thorn from a lion's paw. When Androcles is later sentenced to die in the Roman Colosseum, he faces the same grateful lion in the arena. Shaw crafted this work as a response to religious melodramas and children's plays he found lacking, blending humor, faith, and unexpected mercy into a tale of compassion rewarded.
Ben Jonson
Cynthia's Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love
"Cynthia's Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love" by Ben Jonson is a satirical stage play first performed in 1600. Part of the famous War of the Theatres, the play unfolds at a gathering where courtiers drink from Narcissus's spring, becoming consumed with vanity and self-love. Through elaborate competitions and masques, goddess Cynthia eventually reveals that vices have masqueraded as virtues. Rich in music and mythological references, this comedy explores the follies of courtly ambition and the corrupting nature of excessive self-regard.
Richard Brinsley Sheridan
The Rivals: A Comedy
"The Rivals: A Comedy" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a comedy of manners first performed in 1775. Set in fashionable Bath, the play follows young Jack Absolute who disguises himself as a poor soldier to win the heart of Lydia Languish, a wealthy heiress infatuated with romantic novels. Complications arise from Lydia's word-mangling guardian Mrs. Malaprop, rival suitors, and misdelivered love letters, leading to misunderstandings, quarrels, and an impending duel that threatens to expose Jack's deception.
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