This ancient Greek tragedy follows the story of a woman who mistakenly kills her husband, a legendary hero, with a poisoned shirt. She had been given the shirt by a dying centaur who told her it would ensure her husband's loyalty. However, the centaur had actually been fatally wounded by the hero, and the shirt was soaked in the centaur's poisonous blood. The woman kills herself upon realizing her tragic mistake.

"Phèdre" is a classic French play that explores themes of love, guilt, and retribution. The story revolves around the tragic heroine, Phèdre, who falls passionately in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. Battling with her forbidden desires, she eventually confesses her feelings to Hippolytus, leading to a series of devastating events. The play is renowned for its exploration of human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the destructive power of uncontrolled passion.

"Nathan the Wise" is a 18th-century play that explores religious tolerance and interfaith understanding. The story is set in Jerusalem during the Third Crusade and revolves around Nathan, a wealthy Jewish merchant, who is renowned for his wisdom and generosity. The narrative explores themes of religious tolerance as Nathan interacts with a Templar knight, a Christian patriarch, and the Muslim sultan Saladin. The story culminates with the revelation that the main characters, despite their different faiths, are all part of the same family, thus promoting a message of shared humanity and religious coexistence.

"The White Devil" is a gripping and darkly captivating play that delves into the themes of revenge, corruption, and deceit. Set in 16th century Italy, the story follows the lives of two powerful families, the Brachiano and the Medici, as they engage in a web of treachery and manipulation. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the characters are consumed by their own desires, leading to a tragic and bloody climax. With its complex characters and intricate plot, "The White Devil" explores the depths of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

This book is a compilation of the works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, who is often considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His plays are known for their satirical examination of social norms and human folly, featuring a range of characters from the foolish and the pedantic to the hypocritical and the corrupt. Some of his most famous works included in this collection are "Tartuffe," "The Misanthrope," and "The Imaginary Invalid."

"Long Day's Journey Into Night" is a semi-autobiographical play that explores the complex dynamics of a family tormented by addiction and regret. The narrative follows the Tyrone family, composed of two parents and their two adult sons, over the course of a single day. As the day progresses, the family members engage in soul-baring conversations that reveal their individual struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, their deep-seated resentments, and the love that binds them together despite their flaws. The play is a poignant examination of the human condition, familial bonds, and the destructive power of addiction.

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is a classic French play that tells the story of a nobleman named Cyrano, who is a talented poet and swordsman but has a very large nose. Despite being deeply in love with his cousin Roxane, Cyrano doesn't believe she could ever love him because of his appearance, so he helps his friend Christian woo her instead. Cyrano writes love letters to Roxane on behalf of Christian, and Roxane falls in love with the man she believes Christian to be. The story is a tragic tale of unrequited love, selflessness, and the power of inner beauty.

This classic play is a pastoral comedy set in the Forest of Arden, where the banished Duke Senior and his followers live in exile. The plot revolves around various forms of love and mistaken identities. The main character, Rosalind, is the Duke's daughter who disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede to escape her uncle's court. She falls in love with Orlando, who is also in exile, and through a series of comedic and romantic events, they end up together. The play is famous for its exploration of love, freedom, and life in nature.

"Seven Against Thebes" is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around the conflict between the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, who are fighting for the throne of Thebes. The brothers ultimately kill each other in battle, fulfilling their father's curse that they would divide their inheritance by the sword. The play ends with the women of Thebes mourning the death of the brothers and the city in ruins. The tale is a powerful exploration of family loyalty, power struggles and the consequences of destiny and fate.

"The Suppliants" is a classic Greek drama that revolves around a group of fifty women who flee from Egypt to avoid marrying their cousins, seeking asylum in the city of Argos. The King of Argos is torn between offering them protection or facing the wrath of the Egyptians. The play explores themes of democracy, law, and the struggle between the sexes. The drama ends on a cliffhanger, with the Egyptian suitors arriving to reclaim the women and threatening war.

This ancient Greek comedy play revolves around two men who are fed up with the problems of human society and decide to create a utopian city in the clouds with the help of birds. Their city, 'Cloudcuckooland', becomes popular and attracts gods and humans alike, leading to a series of humorous and satirical events. The play is a satire on political and social life in Athens, poking fun at its democracy, bureaucracy, and warfare.

The play revolves around the complex interplay of love, art, and the pursuit of happiness among a group of characters gathered at a Russian country estate. Central to the narrative is a young aspiring playwright, who yearns for the recognition of his art and the love of a woman, an actress infatuated with a successful writer. The story unfolds as these characters grapple with unrequited affections, artistic ambitions, and the crushing weight of societal expectations, leading to a tapestry of human desires, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in life.

The book is a profound existentialist play that delves into the human psyche and the concept of hell through the experiences of three deceased characters who find themselves trapped together in a mysterious, windowless room. As they engage in intense psychological games and confront the worst aspects of their earthly behaviors, they come to the harrowing realization that their torment comes not from any external punishment, but from each other and the eternal company they are forced to keep. The narrative explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the often unbearable nature of human existence, encapsulated in the famous line, "Hell is other people."

The play is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, which follows the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, as she defies the laws of the state to bury her brother Polynices, who has been declared a traitor and whose body has been condemned to remain unburied. Antigone's actions set her at odds with Creon, the ruler of Thebes, leading to a profound exploration of the conflict between individual conscience and state law, the role of fate, and the nature of morality. As Antigone's resolve leads her to tragic consequences, the play delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the human cost of absolute power.

"Everyman" is a morality play that explores the theme of Christian salvation and what Man must do to achieve it. The protagonist, Everyman, is a representation of all mankind, who is visited by Death and told he is about to die and face judgement. Unable to convince his friends and family to accompany him, Everyman turns to his good deeds, knowledge, and repentance. The play serves as a reminder of Christian moralities and the importance of good deeds for the afterlife.

The play is a classic Dutch tragedy that dramatizes the historical siege and fall of Amsterdam in the 14th century. It follows the titular character, a nobleman, as he grapples with betrayal, loss, and the struggle to protect his city from invaders. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the tragic consequences of war, while incorporating elements of classical Greek tragedy. The work is noted for its rich language and dramatic intensity, reflecting the turbulent political and religious landscape of the time.

The play is a satirical comedy that centers around Argan, a hypochondriac who obsesses over his health and squanders his fortune on unnecessary medical treatments. His ailment is exploited by charlatan doctors and a greedy wife, while his daughter's marital future hangs in the balance due to his misguided intentions. The story unfolds with a clever servant, Toinette, and Argan's brother, Béralde, attempting to open his eyes to the truth of his condition and the deceit around him. Through a series of humorous events, including a mock ceremony, the play critiques the medical profession and the foolishness of those who blindly follow it, ultimately advocating for common sense and true familial love.

In this classic play, the Duke of Athens is preparing for his marriage when the lives of two young couples become complicated by the meddling of fairies. The fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, are quarreling, causing chaos in both the fairy world and the world of mortals. Puck, a mischievous sprite and servant of Oberon, causes further confusion and comic misadventures by casting spells that lead to mistaken identities and misplaced affections. Eventually, all is resolved, and the play ends with three happily married couples.

The play is a tragicomedy set in the slums of Dublin during the Irish Civil War, focusing on the Boyle family. The father, known as "Captain" Jack Boyle, is a loquacious, self-deluded man who spends his time drinking and avoiding work, while his long-suffering wife, Juno, tries to maintain the household. Their lives are upended when they receive news of an unexpected inheritance, leading to false hopes and reckless spending. As the family's fortunes rise and fall amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and personal betrayals, the play explores themes of poverty, pride, and the illusion of escape from the hardships of working-class life.

The play is a comedic yet biting commentary on class and privilege, set against the backdrop of a single day in the life of a clever valet named Figaro, who is about to marry his beloved Suzanne. However, their plans are threatened by the Count, who desires Suzanne for himself and aims to exercise his feudal right to bed a servant girl on her wedding night. Through a series of clever maneuvers, secret plots, and humorous twists, Figaro, Suzanne, and their allies outwit the Count and other members of the aristocracy. The play challenges the social norms of the time, including the abuses of the upper classes and the rights of individuals, culminating in a celebration of love and marriage where wit and resourcefulness triumph over rank and power.

"King Ubu" is a satirical play that centers around the grotesque and absurd character, Père Ubu, who is manipulated by his ambitious wife to seize power in Poland. Once king, Ubu's reign is marked by greed, cruelty, and incompetence, leading to chaos and violence. The play employs absurdity and farce to critique power and corruption, using exaggerated characters and surreal scenarios to highlight the folly and destructiveness of tyrannical rule. This pioneering work is often considered a precursor to the Theatre of the Absurd and has had a lasting influence on avant-garde theatre.

"The Misanthrope" is a satirical play that explores the hypocrisy and corruption of French aristocratic society through the eyes of the protagonist, a man who insists on absolute honesty and despises flattery, insincerity, and social conventions. Despite his disdain for society, he falls in love with a coquette who embodies everything he detests, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic situations. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the importance of balance between truth and courtesy in social interactions.

This collection brings together the most significant works of a master playwright whose stories unfold against the backdrop of Russian society at the turn of the 20th century. The plays are rich with complex characters, nuanced relationships, and social commentary, exploring themes of unrequited love, dreams versus reality, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in everyday life. The playwright's signature blend of tragedy and comedy, combined with a subtle use of symbolism and a focus on character development, has cemented these works as timeless explorations of human nature and the societal pressures that shape our lives.

This classic play dramatizes the political and personal machinations surrounding the assassination of a powerful leader. The narrative follows the conspirators' plot, their execution of the plan, and the resulting chaos and war. The themes of ambition, loyalty, and the struggle for power are explored through complex character interactions and memorable soliloquies. The play also examines the consequences of political violence and the unpredictable nature of history.

This comedic play explores the life of a libertine nobleman who is infamous for his seduction of women. The protagonist is a man who lives by his own rules, unburdened by morality or religion, and who takes pleasure in manipulating others for his own gain. His actions eventually lead to his downfall when he refuses to repent for his sins, resulting in a dramatic, supernatural punishment.