The Greatest English, Austrian "Plays" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 1. The White Devil by John Webster

    "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.

    The 2375th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Changeling by Thomas and William Rowley Middleton

    "The Changeling" is a Jacobean tragedy that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and madness. The narrative centers around Beatrice-Joanna, a young woman who falls in love with Alsemero while being betrothed to another man, Alonzo. Desperate to be with her true love, she enlists the help of her father's disfigured servant, De Flores, to murder Alonzo. However, this act of violence sets off a chain of deceit and horror, as De Flores demands Beatrice-Joanna's virginity as payment for his crime. The play intertwines this main plot with a subplot set in a madhouse, using the setting to explore the thin line between sanity and insanity, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion where the consequences of the characters' actions catch up with them.

    The 4489th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Last Days of Mankind by Karl Kraus

    "The Last Days of Mankind" is a satirical play that provides a critical commentary on the socio-political climate during World War I. The narrative presents a stark portrayal of the absurdity of war and the destructive forces of propaganda, bureaucracy, and nationalism. The author uses a variety of literary techniques, including parody, satire, and direct quotes from contemporary sources, to highlight the folly and tragedy of war. The play is known for its unique style, rich language, and its profound critique of society and culture during a time of great upheaval and conflict.

    The 4688th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Kaspar and Other Plays by Peter Handke

    "Kaspar and Other Plays" is a collection of avant-garde, thought-provoking plays that explore deep philosophical questions about language, reality, and the human condition. The titular play tells the story of a young man who learns to speak and, in doing so, is manipulated and controlled by society. The other plays in the collection continue to challenge conventional ideas and push boundaries, offering a unique and profound commentary on the world.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Malcontent by John Marston

    "The Malcontent" is a Jacobean-era tragicomedy that delves into themes of political intrigue, revenge, and moral corruption within a court setting. The play centers around the character Malevole, the disguised and deposed Duke Altofronto, who maneuvers through a web of deceit as he seeks to expose the hypocrisy and villainy of those who usurped his throne. Through a series of satirical and darkly humorous episodes, the protagonist navigates a treacherous court filled with unscrupulous characters, ultimately aiming to restore justice and reclaim his rightful position. The work is known for its biting wit, complex characterizations, and exploration of the human condition, reflecting the moral ambiguities of the time.

    The 6951st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Selected Plays And Libretti by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

    This collection brings together a selection of dramatic works by a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary world, showcasing his talent for blending poetic language with profound psychological insight. The plays and libretti included span various genres, from historical dramas to adaptations of classic myths, each marked by the author's exploration of themes such as identity, transformation, and the human condition. The works also reflect the author's collaboration with influential composers of his time, contributing to the evolution of opera and theater through his innovative approach to storytelling and character development.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Plays And Stories by Arthur Schnitzler

    "Plays and Stories" is a collection that showcases the work of a prominent writer known for his incisive exploration of psychology and morality in turn-of-the-century Viennese society. The book brings together a selection of his dramatic and narrative pieces, each delving into the complex lives and intimate struggles of its characters. Through a blend of sharp dialogue, intricate character studies, and a keen observation of social mores, the collection reveals the subtle forces at play in love, desire, and power, often highlighting the ironic twists of fate that can alter the course of an individual's life. The writer's work is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of the human condition and its influence on modernist literature.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Duchess Of Malfi by John Webster

    The play is a dark Renaissance tragedy that tells the story of a young widow, the Duchess, who defies her two corrupt brothers by secretly marrying her steward, Antonio, with whom she has three children. Her brothers, one a twisted cardinal and the other a mentally unstable duke, are driven by greed and power. They employ a spy, Bosola, to uncover her secret, leading to a series of tragic events. The brothers' quest for control results in a bloody and vengeful cycle of murder, madness, and betrayal, ultimately leading to the downfall of almost every main character in a grim commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the vulnerability of women in a male-dominated society.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Plays by Francis Beaumont

    This book is a collection of dramatic works by a prominent English playwright from the early 17th century, known for his collaborative writing with a fellow dramatist. The plays within this compilation showcase a range of genres from comedy to tragedy, often characterized by their wit, intricate plots, and the exploration of themes such as love, jealousy, and social satire. The playwright's work is notable for its influence on the development of English theater and its reflection of the Jacobean era's complex societal norms and preoccupations.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Comedies, Tragedies, Poems by George Chapman

    "Comedies, Tragedies, Poems" is a comprehensive collection of the dramatic and poetic works of a significant yet often overlooked figure from the English Renaissance. The book encompasses the full range of his literary output, featuring both his comedic and tragic plays that delve into themes of love, honor, and human folly, as well as his lesser-known but equally compelling poetry. The author's work is characterized by a robust and energetic use of language, a deep engagement with classical influences, and a unique blend of philosophical depth and dramatic intensity, which has earned him a place among the noteworthy contemporaries of Shakespeare.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. 'Tis Pity She's A Whore by John Ford

    The play is a tragic tale set in Parma, Italy, centered around the forbidden love between Giovanni and his sister Annabella. Despite societal taboos and the grave moral implications, the siblings embark on an incestuous relationship, which leads to Annabella's pregnancy. As the story unfolds, their secret is threatened by external suitors, family pressures, and societal expectations, resulting in a series of deceitful acts, betrayals, and violent outcomes. The play explores themes of passion, morality, and the devastating consequences of transgressing social boundaries, culminating in a dramatic and bloody conclusion that underscores the destructive power of forbidden love.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Poems And Verse Plays by Hugo von Hofmannsthal

    This collection brings together an exquisite array of poetry and dramatic works by a prominent figure in the literary world, known for his pivotal role in the development of modernist literature in the German-speaking world. The book showcases the author's linguistic virtuosity and deep understanding of the human condition, with poems that range from the lyrical to the symbolic, and verse plays that explore themes of identity, existential angst, and the interplay between reality and illusion. The works within this compilation reflect the author's evolution as a writer and his ability to blend classical motifs with contemporary concerns, offering readers a rich tapestry of introspective and philosophical musings.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Alchemist by Ben Jonson

    The book in question is a comedic play set in early 17th-century London, where a clever trio of con artists—Subtle, Face, and Dol—takes advantage of urban fear and superstition during a plague outbreak to swindle a series of gullible victims. Using the guise of an alchemist capable of performing miraculous transformations, the group promises wealth and power to their targets, spinning a web of deceit and exploiting human greed and folly. The play unfolds as a series of farcical episodes, culminating in the inevitable unraveling of their schemes, offering a satirical critique of human credulity and the pretensions of pseudo-science.

    The 9609th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Edward Ii by Christopher Marlowe

    The play is a historical tragedy that revolves around the reign of a flawed monarch whose personal weaknesses lead to his downfall. It explores the king's intense and controversial relationship with his favorite, Gaveston, which incurs the wrath of the nobility, his wife, and ultimately contributes to his loss of power. Themes of political ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for authority are central as the king's inability to manage his affections and the demands of his throne result in civil strife and his eventual violent demise. The play is a study of a ruler undone by personal failings and the ruthless machinations of those around him, set against the backdrop of the political complexities of medieval England.

    The 10967th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A Mad World, My Masters by Thomas Middleton

    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.

    The 10968th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download