Often called the best comedy of manners in English, and one of the most produced of all theater classics, this delightful play displays Sheridan's mastery of the mechanics of stage comedy, his flair for witty dialogue, and his delight in skewering the affectation and pretentiousness of aristocratic Londoners of the 1770s.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw One of Shaw's most popular comedies, deflating romantic misconceptions of love and warfare. Reprinted from an authoritative early edition, complete with Shaw's preface to Volume II of Plays: Pleasant and Unpleasant.
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde Wilde's witty and buoyant comedy of manners, filled with some of literature's most famous epigrams, reprinted from an authoritative British edition. Considered Wilde's most perfect work.
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith Charming satire concerns a young lady who poses as a serving girl to win the heart of a young gentleman too shy to court ladies of his own class. Notes.
The Misanthrope by Molière One of the best of Molière's comedies, focusing on a man who is quick to criticize the faults of others, yet remains blind to his own. Publisher's Note.
The Playboy of the Western World and Riders to the Sea by J. M. Synge Two lyrical, beautifully crafted dramas set among the folk of the Aran Islands and western Irish coastlands. Reprinted from authoritative editions, complete with Synge's preface to The Playboy of the Western World. New introductory Note.
The Way of the World by William Congreve Greatest of all Restoration comedies depicts the scheming of a nest of shallow, deceitful aristocrats to prevent two lovers from marrying. Delicious verbal battles of the sexes, exceptional depths of feeling and sensitivity.
Volpone by Ben Jonson Great Elizabethan satire concerns a wealthy, lecherous old man who feigns a mortal illness to solicit bribes from greedy acquaintances.
The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan Immensely popular comedy of manners featuring such memorable characters as the lovely Lydia Languish, her suitor, Capt. Jack Absolute; and Lydia's aunt — Mrs. Malaprop, cleverly revolves around false identities, romantic entanglements, and parental disapproval.
Ten Plays by Anton Chekhov The Sea Gull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, The Cherry Orchard, and Ivanov, plus 5 one-act comedies: The Anniversary, An Unwilling Martyr, The Wedding, The Bear, and The Proposal.
