George Farquhar Knihy

"The Recruiting Officer" by George Farquhar is a classic Restoration comedy that offers a humorous and satirical look at life in 18th-century England. Set in the town of Shrewsbury during the War of the Spanish Succession, the play follows the exploits of Captain Plume, a charming and roguish officer who is tasked with recruiting soldiers for the army. At the heart of the play is the rivalry between Captain Plume and Sergeant Kite, a wily recruiter who resorts to deceit and trickery to meet his recruitment quotas. As they compete for the affections of the local women and the allegiance of potential recruits, they find themselves embroiled in a series of hilarious misadventures and romantic entanglements.

George Farquhar (1678-1707) wrote some of the most exhilarating comedies in English, recording with great frankness the brutality and disorder of his age as well as its wit and vivacity. This modern spelling edition of four of the least formal and most actable Restoration comedies discloses the brutal, witty, and vigorously comic world in which Farquhar lived. Complete with an intorduction and full notes, this volume includes The Constant Couple, The Twin Rivals, The Recruiting Officer, and The Beaux' stratagem. All challenge many preconceptions about class, marriage, and the sexual politics of the early eighteenth century.

"The Inconstant" is a classic comedy play penned by George Farquhar, a renowned Irish playwright of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Set in the vibrant world of Restoration England, the play unfolds with a delightful blend of wit, romance, and intrigue, showcasing Farquhar's mastery of comic storytelling. At the heart of "The Inconstant" is a tale of love and mistaken identities. The plot follows the escapades of Mirabel, a charming young gentleman who finds himself entangled in a web of amorous pursuits and misadventures. Fueled by his romantic desires, Mirabel navigates through a series of humorous encounters and misunderstandings as he strives to win the heart of his beloved, the beautiful Flora. Against the backdrop of a bustling society filled with colorful characters, including witty servants, bumbling suitors, and scheming relatives, "The Inconstant" unfolds with a lively energy and irreverent humor. Farquhar's sharp dialogue and keen observation of human foibles infuse the play with a sense of playful satire, offering a comedic reflection on the follies and vanities of the era.