George Farquhar
Irish playwright who moved Restoration comedy out of London drawing rooms and into the English provinces and the army, bringing fresh air and genuine sentiment to a jaded genre. The Beaux' Stratagem is his masterpiece, written while dying of tuberculosis at 29. His plays anticipate the sentimental comedy of the 18th century.
Works
- The Beaux' StratagemRestoration comedy about two couples' romantic schemes in country village
- The Recruiting OfficerRestoration comedy about military recruitment and romantic entanglements
- The Constant CoupleRestoration comedy about soldier and his romantic exploits with multiple women
- Love and a Bottle
- Sir Harry Wildair