The Comedy of Manners

The book explores the Comedy of Manners, detailing its origins in English and French literature and distinguishing it from other comedic forms. It features in-depth chapters on key playwrights such as Etherege, Dryden, Wycherly, Congreve, Vanbrugh, and Farquhar. Additionally, it addresses Jeremy Collier's critique of the genre, focusing on the perceived immorality and profaneness present in these plays, providing a comprehensive analysis of this influential comedic style.