The extraordinary career and impressive literary output of the 'Father' of Polish comedy, Aleksander Fredro, are the subject of much celebration in Poland in 1993, the bicentenary of his birth. These new translations by Noel Clark of three of Fredro's best known plays should do much to repair the relative ignorance of his works in this country. Virgins' Vows - generally regarded as Fredro's most accomplished comedy - and The Annuity, both reflect the author's awareness of the disadvantages suffered by young women in a male-dominated society. Revenge is a seemingly innocent social comedy about...

Stanislaw Wypianski (1869-1907) has long been recognized as an outstanding dramatist, whose influence on Polish Theatre is second to none.

The three plays in this volume illustrate Kleist's genius and versatility. Includes: Prince Friedrich von Homburg, a tautly plotted clash of love, honor, and obedience to State; The Broken Pitcher, which one him acclaim for his crisp dialogue and robust humor; and Ordeal by Fire, the most colorful, atmospheric play of its time to have a female protagonist.