William Congreve Books

Set against a backdrop of historical intrigue, the narrative unfolds through a series of letters that reveal the complexities of courtly life and personal relationships. The characters navigate their emotions and societal expectations, leading to a rich exploration of love, duty, and ambition. The correspondence offers a glimpse into the era's customs and the characters' inner struggles, making for a compelling read that delves into the heart of human experience.

The plot centers on lovers Mirabell and Millamant, who seek to marry and secure Millamant's dowry. Their challenge lies in gaining the approval of her bitter aunt, Lady Wishfort, who harbors disdain for Mirabell and favors her own nephew, Sir Wilful, as a suitor for Millamant. The play explores themes of love, manipulation, and social expectations as the characters navigate their complicated relationships.

Set in late 17th century London, this comedy explores the romantic dilemmas of its characters amid the social ambitions of Restoration England. Central to the plot is Valentine, who faces the choice between love and financial security. The play is filled with schemes, misunderstandings, and the unveiling of true emotions, all delivered through witty dialogue and clever twists. Congreve's sharp satire and memorable characters highlight the intricacies of love and society, solidifying its status as a classic in English literature.

The book delves into the innovative design and functionality of rockets, as developed by Congreve. It explores the technical advancements in rocket technology and their applications, showcasing Congreve's insights and experiments that contributed to military and scientific progress. Through detailed explanations and analyses, the work highlights the significance of his contributions to the field of rocketry, reflecting both the challenges and successes encountered in his research.

Set in ancient mythology, the narrative revolves around Semele, a mortal woman whose beauty captivates the god Jupiter. Their passionate romance leads to Jupiter promising her immortality, igniting the jealousy of his wife, Juno. Themes of love, ambition, and divine intervention intertwine as the characters navigate their tumultuous relationships, highlighting the complexities of desire and power in a world governed by gods.

Witty and satirical, this collection showcases the plays of William Congreve, a prominent English playwright from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His works cleverly critique the social manners and conventions of his era, offering a humorous insight into the human condition and the complexities of romantic relationships.

One of the greatest of all Restoration comedies, The Way of the World is Congreve's masterpiece — a rich and knowing comedy of manners that not only satirizes the falsity, pretense and shallowness of the London society of his day, but also offers a depth of feeling, sensitivity, and polished phrasing that elevates the play far above other efforts in the genre. Delightfully entertaining, The Way of the World abounds in brilliant word play, delicious verbal battles of the sexes (some consider the famous scene between Mirabell and Millamant as one of the most profound analyses of the marriage relation ever written), and scheming villains of both genders. First presented in London in 1700, this comedy has charmed audiences for over 300 years. This inexpensive paperbound edition, complete and unabridged, makes it widely available to today's readers.