The School for Scandal (Dover Thrift Editions: Plays)

This is sometimes called "the wittiest play of the late 18th century," though quite possibly only by Sheridan's publicist. It is very witty, but a little tedious at times. Some of the humor hasn't aged terribly well (old man with young wife) and some is still very funny (the screen scene.) Definitely worth reading. A good choice for a high school literature course also. Probably needs to be abridged for performance before a modern audience as it's at least three hours without intermissions.

Sheridan's 1777 farcical treatment of upper class snobbery and reputation ruination sparkles even two centuries later--whether on the boards or on the pages. Delightfully irreverent this five-act play entertains despite its period setting, for costumes, accessories and expressions can not detract from the basic functioning and foibles of human nature. The Dover Thrift edition includes A PORTRAIT (flattering poem addressed to a possible patroness), a PROLOGUE written by Garrick, an acclaimed actor-manger, and an EPILOGUE written by Mr. Colman. Yet the actual dialogue stands alone, in never-ending waves of wit and satire. Offering an extensive cast these 75 pages reveal the worst of Sheridan's 18th century Society; the last names alone indicate shamelesslythe predominant character flaws among the self-centered cheats, flatterers and hypocrites: Mrs. Sneerwell, the Surface brothers, Lady Teazle, and Mrs. Candour among others. Literary gimmicks includemistaken identities, overhead conversations and outrageous distortion of the facts which precipitates shocking rumors. No one's reputation is safe, while some characters delight in spouting Sentiments--moralizing platitudes. The machinations of this cast of zanies who take themselves most seriously--whether motivated by love or money--provide amusing fodderfor those who appreciate Comedy raised to the heights of an art form. Audiences and readers alike will experience the entire gamut of humor in this slender volume, for bon mots are interspersed among the devious plottings and dastardly scheming of the various characters--often at direct odds with each other. Lessons of Life and morality can be learned (possibly by lack of proper example) if one enrolls in this entertaining School for Scandal.

A nice read.

A classic!

Good! Read it! It's a classic ❤️

The book arrived ok and it was not dammaged at all

Poor quality printing. Type small-cheap paper. That's why they are so inexpensive.

Bought to read

I found this book tedious and rather silly but the delivery of the book and the condition of it were good.

+++ Cheap book version, arrived in good condition, good for A level Study, I recommend itInteresting read

funny to start with, but then it diggs frustratingly deep into the dark side of human interaction and the fun is lost

It's perfectly fine but be warned it has no line numbers which are essetial for study.

Brilliant- a set text- much used by us- a good edition.