The Way of the World (Dover Thrift Editions) - Softcover

William Congreve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486277879 ISBN 13: 9780486277875

Publisher: Dover Publications, 1994

Synopsis

One of the greatest of all Restoration comedies, The Way of the World is Congreve's masterpiece — a rich and knowing comedy of manners that not only satirizes the falsity, pretense and shallowness of the London society of his day, but also offers a depth of feeling, sensitivity, and polished phrasing that elevates the play far above other efforts in the genre.
Delightfully entertaining, The Way of the World abounds in brilliant word play, delicious verbal battles of the sexes (some consider the famous scene between Mirabell and Millamant as one of the most profound analyses of the marriage relation ever written), and scheming villains of both genders. First presented in London in 1700, this comedy has charmed audiences for over 300 years. This inexpensive paperbound edition, complete and unabridged, makes it widely available to today's readers.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

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 nor rascal.

About the Author:

Brian Gibbons is a distinguished scholar and editor of Shakespeare and other early modern dramatists. He is the author of many critical studies and a General Editor of the New Mermaids and the New Cambridge Shakespeare series.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0486277879
• ISBN 13: 9780486277875
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96