The late D. F. McKenzie worked on this comprehensive edition of the works of the playwright, poet, librettist, and novelist William Congreve for more than twenty years, until his sudden death in 1999. This was a task he had taken over from Herbert Davis, to whom this edition is dedicated. During that time McKenzie uncovered new verse and letters, collated Congreve's texts, recorded their complicated textual history, constructed appendices that shed light on the dramatic context in which Congreve worked, and examined how his contemporaries received Congreve's work. More importantly, McKenzie...

"A woman who is not a fool can have but one reason for associating with a man that is," says Mirabell, the amorous hero of The Way of the World. His cleverness must overcome his own foolishness as he tries to extricate himself from one affair in order to pursue another. His new passion is inspired by Mrs. Millimant, who confides, "I love to give pain." First performed in 1700, The Way of the World has since earned a reputation as a play for connoisseurs, a satire whose every word pricks or scratches. Its portrayal of the petty intrigues and duplicity of genteel society spares neither coquette...

Announcing a new series of Drama Classic Collections.

Volume one of Congreve's restoration plays is an excellent example of his genius. William Congreve was an English playwright and poet of the Restoration Period. After writing five highbrow sexual comedies his plays lost favor and he stopped writing. He retired at age 30. The two volume set contains a lengthily introduction and four of his plays: The Old Bachelor, Love for Love, The Double Dealer, and his most famous play The Way of the World.

In this volume Anthony Henderson recalls Congreve's successful career and provides the texts of his four comedies.

The play is based around the two lovers Mirabell and Millamant. In order for the two to get married and receive Millamants full dowry, Mirabell must receive the blessing of Millamants aunt, Lady Wishfort. Unfortunately, she is a very bitter lady, who despises Mirabell and wants her own nephew, Sir Wilful, to wed Millamant.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

This book is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

Originally published in 1925, the text for this edition of Semele was compiled from the 1710 edition of Congreve's works and the altered version adopted by Handel and published in 1762. The work was performed in this form at the New Theatre, Cambridge in February 1925. Lines omitted by the composer are printed in smaller type, and his interpolations are set within square brackets. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the works of Congreve and Handel.

First Published in 1968. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.