This comedic play revolves around two protagonists who both use the pseudonym "Ernest" to escape their social obligations. Their plans unravel when they fall in love and their betrothed women reveal they are only willing to marry men named Ernest. The situation is further complicated by a case of mistaken identity, a lost handbag, and a surprising revelation about one of the protagonist's parentage. The play uses wit and humor to satirize the social conventions of Victorian England, particularly the importance placed on trivialities.

"Pygmalion" is a play that explores the transformative power of education and the nature of language and communication. It follows the story of a cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle who is taught to speak and behave like a duchess by a pompous phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. Throughout the process, Eliza develops self-respect and personal dignity, challenging the Victorian society's rigid class system. The play also questions the idea of 'making' someone and the moral responsibility that comes with it.

This collection features selected plays by a renowned playwright, showcasing his wit, social criticism, and talent for character development. The plays touch on a wide range of themes, including class struggles, the complexities of love, the absurdity of war, and the pursuit of individual freedom. The author's sharp dialogue and satirical approach make these plays both entertaining and thought-provoking, reflecting his progressive views and his belief in the potential for societal change.

The play centers around Jimmy Porter, an intelligent and educated but disaffected young man of working-class origin who is married to Alison, a woman from a more privileged background. Set in post-war Britain, the narrative captures the couple's volatile relationship and Jimmy's frustration with the lack of opportunities and the class structure that he feels traps him. The arrival of Alison's friend, Helena, adds further tension as she both criticizes and is attracted to Jimmy's raw passion. Themes of anger, class conflict, and disillusionment with the establishment are woven throughout the play, which ultimately explores the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

"The Homecoming" is a play that delves into the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family when the eldest son returns home after a long absence. Set in North London, the story unfolds in the family's house, where the son introduces his wife to his domineering father, his uncle, and his two brothers. Tensions rise as the family's power struggles and hidden resentments come to the fore, leading to a shocking and unsettling realignment of relationships within the household. The play explores themes of power, sexuality, and the search for identity within the confines of a seemingly traditional family structure.

"Volpone" is a satirical comedy set in 17th century Venice, where the cunning protagonist, Volpone, and his servant, Mosca, swindle the city's wealthy elite by pretending Volpone is on his deathbed and in need of a worthy heir. This prompts a series of greedy contenders who offer extravagant gifts in hope of being named the heir. Despite their successful deceit, their scheme is eventually exposed, leading to their downfall. The story serves as a critique of greed and corruption, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

"The Way of the World" is a Restoration comedy that explores the themes of love, marriage, and deceit in the high society of 18th century London. The plot centers around the complex relationship between Mirabell and Millamant, two lovers who must navigate a maze of social expectations and personal schemes to secure their future together. With a cast of characters that includes the cunning Fainall, the foolish Witwoud, and the manipulative Lady Wishfort, the play satirizes the manners and morals of the time, showcasing the intricate dance of courtship and the artifice involved in securing both love and fortune. Through witty dialogue and intricate plotting, the play critiques the superficiality of society while ultimately affirming the value of true wit and love.

This collection brings together all of the renowned playwright's works, showcasing his talent for dramatic verse. It includes both his well-known pieces and lesser-known plays, exploring themes of human frailty, faith, and the complexities of the human condition. The book provides a comprehensive look into the playwright's unique contribution to 20th-century drama.

The play explores the complex dynamics of social responsibility, morality, and religion through the lens of an idealistic young woman who works at the Salvation Army to help the poor, and her father, a wealthy munitions manufacturer. The conflict between their worldviews comes to a head as they debate the ethics of wealth and charity, with the father arguing that his business, which provides employment and security, is a greater force for good than charity work that merely alleviates the symptoms of poverty. The daughter's struggle with reconciling her moral convictions with the practicalities of the world leads to a profound examination of the true meaning of goodness and the source of societal change.

"The Beggar's Opera" is a satirical ballad opera that critiques the corruption of society through the lens of a criminal underworld in 18th-century London. The story revolves around the charming but deceitful highwayman, Macheath, who marries Polly Peachum, much to the dismay of her parents, who are involved in the criminal justice system and seek to profit from turning him in. The opera parodies the politics of the time, the legal system, and Italian opera, using popular tunes of the day to make it accessible to a wider audience. The narrative unfolds with a mix of comedy and drama, as Macheath's relationships with various women, including Polly and the jailer's daughter, Lucy Lockit, lead to his eventual arrest and the prospect of execution, with a satirical twist on the notion of justice and morality.

The play is a Restoration comedy from the 17th century that satirizes the sexual and marital mores of the time. It revolves around the exploits of Horner, a rakish gentleman who spreads a false rumor about his own impotence in order to seduce married women without arousing their husbands' suspicions. The narrative intertwines Horner's machinations with the stories of various couples, including the simple country wife Margery, who is new to the city's social scene and whose naivety and desire for pleasure make her an easy target for Horner's scheme. The play is known for its witty dialogue, sexual innuendo, and commentary on the hypocrisy of societal norms.

This play revolves around the love triangle between a clergyman, his wife, and a young poet who idolizes her. The clergyman, who is a popular Christian Socialist, is oblivious to the poet's infatuation with his wife. The poet eventually confesses his love and proposes a "bidding" for Candida's affection, where both men will state their cases as to why she should choose them. In the end, Candida chooses her husband, stating that he is the one who truly needs her.

"Love for Love" is a classic Restoration comedy that revolves around the chaotic love lives and financial schemes of its characters. The plot centers on Valentine, a financially strapped gentleman who feigns madness to avoid paying his debts and to secure his inheritance, and Angelica, a wealthy and witty heiress who desires a man who loves her more than her money. The play humorously navigates through a series of mistaken identities, satirical engagements, and sharp-tongued repartee, culminating in a series of resolutions that pair off the characters in a traditional comedic fashion, all while delivering a biting social commentary on the mercenary nature of love and marriage in the Restoration era.

This collection of works by a renowned 19th-century playwright is a brilliant exploration of social satire, wit, and the examination of Victorian society's norms and hypocrisies. The plays within often feature sharp dialogue, complex characters, and intricate plots that challenge social mores and personal morality. Themes such as the superficial nature of social status, the conflict between true love and societal expectation, and the duality of human nature are woven throughout these comedic yet thought-provoking dramas. The author's clever use of language and paradox, along with his critique of aristocratic attitudes, ensure that the plays remain enduring favorites on the stage and continue to engage readers and audiences with their timeless relevance and humor.

The play is a Restoration comedy that satirizes the manners and affectations of a social class, particularly the courtiers and town gallants. Set in Restoration London, the plot revolves around the rakish protagonist, who is a notorious womanizer and his schemes to woo multiple women, including a virtuous young lady whom he genuinely falls for. The narrative unfolds with a series of witty dialogues, humorous situations, and a cast of characters that embody the excesses and vanities of the time. The play explores themes of love, deception, and the pursuit of pleasure, all while providing a critical look at the superficiality and moral laxity of the aristocratic society.

"The Plain Dealer" is a Restoration comedy that revolves around the character of Manly, a sea captain and misanthrope who despises the hypocrisy and duplicity of society. After returning from sea, he finds himself entangled in a web of romantic and financial intrigues. Manly is in love with Olivia, who betrays him, while his friend Fidelia disguises herself as a man to remain close to him. The play satirizes the superficiality and corruption of the time, showcasing a series of deceptions and misunderstandings that ultimately lead to the exposure of true intentions and the restoration of Manly's fortunes and happiness. The work is known for its sharp wit, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as honesty, trust, and the nature of true friendship.

Set in Victorian London, the narrative revolves around a cunning antihero who leads a group of beggars and is involved in various criminal activities. He marries the daughter of the king of the beggars, only to be betrayed by his new wife and a former lover, which leads to his arrest. As he faces execution, a deus ex machina twist saves him at the last moment, allowing him to return to his life of crime. The work is a biting satire of capitalist society, showcasing the corruption and moral ambiguity that pervade all levels of society, from the lowly beggar to the esteemed official, all underscored by memorable music that adds a layer of irony to the darkly comedic plot.

The play is a comedic tale that follows the escapades of two charming, dissolute young gentlemen, Aimwell and Archer, who travel through the English countryside engaging in various schemes to restore their fortunes. With their funds running low, they concoct a plan to marry wealthy ladies, but their scheme becomes complicated when they encounter a series of mishaps and moral dilemmas. As they become entangled with a host of colorful characters, including a crooked landlord, a drunken husband, and a spirited heroine, the pair must navigate love, friendship, and honor. The narrative unfolds with wit and satire, ultimately exploring themes of deception, loyalty, and the true value of love and marriage.

The play is a provocative drama that delves into the lives of a high-society mother and her son, both entangled in a web of self-indulgence and addiction. The mother, a narcissistic and aging beauty, is involved in a series of shallow love affairs, while her son grapples with a spiraling drug addiction. Their dysfunctional relationship comes to a head when the son returns home from abroad, leading to a confrontation that exposes the emotional voids within their glamorous but hollow lives. The play is a critique of the hedonistic lifestyle of the British upper class in the 1920s and explores themes of family dynamics, the pursuit of youth, and the destructive nature of addiction.

The play revolves around a few days in the life of a successful and self-obsessed light comedy actor as he prepares to embark on a touring commitment in Africa. Amid a series of farcical incidents, he has to deal with a series of intrusions, including the adoration of young fans, the constant presence of his ex-lovers, and the more serious overtures of a playwright who idolizes him. His attempts to disentangle himself from these personal complications provide a comedic exploration of fame, vanity, and the chaos of celebrity life.

"The Real Thing" is a play that explores the complexities of love, fidelity, and the blurred lines between life and art. It follows the story of Henry, a witty and cynical playwright, whose intellectual prowess masks his emotional insecurities. As the narrative unfolds, Henry's relationships with his wife, his mistress, and his friends are tested, revealing the struggles and contradictions inherent in his quest for authentic emotion. The play delves into themes of intellectual honesty, the nature of reality versus appearance, and the challenge of distinguishing genuine feelings from their artistic representations, all while showcasing the characters' sharp dialogue and introspective moments.

The play explores the challenges faced by women in the corporate world and society at large through the story of Marlene, a career-driven woman who has just been promoted to managing director at the Top Girls Employment Agency. The narrative delves into themes of feminism, class, and societal expectations as Marlene's success is juxtaposed with the lives of various historical and fictional women, who appear in a surreal dinner party scene, and the experiences of her own family, particularly her sister and her niece. The play critically examines the cost of Marlene's ambition and the sacrifices made by women who strive to break the glass ceiling, questioning the notion of what it means to be a "top girl" in a male-dominated world.

"Betrayal" is a play that explores the complexities of human relationships through a reverse chronological narrative, focusing on a love triangle among the central characters. The story delves into the intricate dynamics of infidelity, friendship, and deceit, as it unfolds the emotional and psychological consequences of a long-term extramarital affair between the wife and the best friend of her husband. The play dissects themes of loyalty, trust, and the passage of time, revealing the characters' inner struggles and the ultimate impact of their deceitful actions on their lives and relationships.

This satirical comedy from the early 17th century presents a tapestry of London life through a series of interwoven plots featuring a diverse cast of characters, including a con artist, a lustful knight, and a cunning courtesan. The play delves into themes of deception, social corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure, revealing the vices and follies of the city's inhabitants. With a sharp wit and an unflinching eye for the absurdities of human behavior, the narrative unfolds in a series of comedic escapades, ultimately offering a biting critique of a world gone mad with greed and hedonism.

"Waste" is a poignant play that delves into the complexities of politics, personal ambition, and morality. It centers on a visionary politician who, despite his potential to effect significant change, finds his career threatened by the scandalous collapse of his private affair with a married woman. As he navigates the treacherous waters of political machinations and societal expectations, the protagonist is confronted with the stark consequences of his actions, leading to a tragic denouement. The play critically examines the waste of human potential and the ruthless nature of public life, showcasing the delicate balance between personal integrity and the demands of a public career.