Books by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

A revised edition of this 18th century comedy with an introduction in which aspects of language, staging and interpretation are explored. The reader is encouraged to examine the strong political element in the play and to see how this relates to its literary and theatrical parodies.

The plot centres on the two young lovers, Lydia and Jack. Lydia, who reads a lot of popular novels of the time, wants a purely romantic love affair. To court her, Jack pretends to be "Ensign Beverley", a poor army officer. Lydia is enthralled with the idea of eloping with a poor soldier in spite of the objections of her guardian, Mrs. Malaprop, a moralistic widow. 4 women, 8 men

Richly exploited comic situations, effervescent wit, and intricate plots combine to make Sheridan's work among the best of all English comedy. This edition includes his most famous plays, The Rivals, The School for Scandal, and The Critic, and two lesser known musical plays, The Duenna and A Trip to Scarborough. A fine introduction and notes on Sheridan's playhouses and critical inheritance make this an invaluable editionfor study and performance alike.

A major new edition which brings a modern approach to the Introduction and text.

Sheridan's most successful play, often considered the apex of English comedy.

In The School for Scandal, Sheridan's artificial world of heightened wit and heightened folly delights its audience, but at times it engages them with moments of human pain and happiness, before delivering them back to its comedy.