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The Rivals
Series: New Mermaids
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 2,808 ratings, 137 reviews)
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Summary
This edition features the original preface, various prologues, and an appendix listing fashionable books and songs mentioned by the characters.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Rivals
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The Rivals is ideal for readers interested in classic theatre, eighteenth-century comedy, and lovers of sharp wit and memorable characters. It appeals especially to those who appreciate satirical takes on societal manners and language humour.
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See moreA major new edition which brings a modern approach to the Introduction and text.
A favourite 18th century playFrequently a set text for English and Drama coursesPart of the successful New Mermaids series
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Both Sheridan and Goldsmith lamented the popularity of sentimental comedy in the later eighteenth century and wrote their witty and satirical plays (though never lascivious in the manner of Restoration comedies) to counteract the sentimental mode.
The Rivals (1775) was a qualified success: the suave young officer who is ‘forced’ by his father to marry the very girl to whom he is secretly engaged must always please; but first audiences were as uncertain as later critics about how to evaluate his neurotic friend Faulkland, who invents a series of caveats for his marriage to the earnest Julia.
A country squire who becomes alarmingly foppish in town, an impetuous Irishman and the linguistically challenged Mrs Malaprop complete the cast. This edition includes the original preface and several prologues; in an appendix, it lists all the fashionable books and songs to which the characters allude.
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The Rivals
Both Sheridan and Goldsmith lamented the popularity of sentimental comedy in the later eighteenth century and wrote their witty and satirical plays (though never lascivious in the manner of Restoration comedies) to counteract the sentimental mode. The Rivals (1775) was a qualified success: the suave young officer who is ‘forced’ by his father to marry the very girl to whom...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Michael Billington, Guardian calls it "Sheridan's 1775 comic masterpiece," noting its return to fashion after years of neglect. Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph describes it as a "delightful comedy" with "wonderfully rich and elegant" humour accompanied by sudden glimpses of deeper emotion. Georgina Brown, Mail on Sunday praises Mrs Malaprop's iconic misuse of language, which has become ingrained in English culture. John Peter, Sunday Times highlights its affectionate satire of English life and themes around maturity and romantic fantasy.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780713667653
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 October 2004
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Edition: 2nd edition
Illustration: 6 b/w photos
Contributors:
- Edited by Dr Tiffany Stern
- Volume editor Dr Tiffany Stern
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 12.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 166g
Pages: 192
About the Author
Dr Tiffany Stern is a former Research Fellow of Merton College, Oxford,and is currently Senior Lecturer ar Oxford Brookes University.
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