Plays 1682-1696: Volume 4, The Plays 1682-1696

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was the first professional woman of literature and drama in English, known for her range and diversity in Restoration theatre. Her last five plays, written between 1682 and 1696, showcased her skills in writing for individual performers and her political engagement. This fully annotated edition provides a comprehensive guide to her work and the literary, theatrical, and political history of the Restoration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 954 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) holds a remarkable distinction as the trailblazing pioneer of professional literature and drama in English. Over a span of two decades, she graced the stage of the Restoration theatre, showcasing an extraordinary range and diversity in her works. During the final five years of her life, from 1682 to 1696, Behn authored and performed a series of plays that exemplified her exceptional talent for writing for individual performers. These plays encompassed a city comedy titled "The City-Heiress," a farce titled "The Emperor of the Moon," a tragicomedy titled "The Widdow Ranter," and a comedy of family inheritance titled "The Younger Brother." These plays not only showcased Behn's mastery of theatrical craft but also demonstrated her keen political awareness, a hallmark of her literary reputation. They serve as a testament to her enduring popularity with theatre audiences, particularly during the politically and financially challenging years of the 1680s, and even after her passing.

Informed by the latest advancements in computational attribution, this fully annotated edition harnesses the wealth of recent scholarship to offer a comprehensive exploration of Behn's work and the rich literary, theatrical, and political history of the Restoration era. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the enduring legacy of Aphra Behn as one of the most influential figures in English literature and drama.

Weight: 1592g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108840743