Nineteenth Century Plays

The World's Classics #533

by George Rowell (Editor)

This collection includes "Black-ey'd Susuan," "Money," "Masks and Faces," "The Colleen Bawn," "Lady Audley's Secret," "The Ticket-of-Leave-Man," "Caste," "Two Roses," "The Bells," and "A Pair of Spectacles." Each play is printed in the form in which it was originally performed, and includes an
introductory headnote by Rowell. A glossary of stage terms and a reading list complete the text.

582 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

George Rowell was a British theatre historian, lecturer and authority on the 19th century.

Reviews

[olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wish I could see the plays in person. A lot of the liveliness and humour was lost in text form. Did find some radio plays to accompany Money but other than that I really hope somebody re-animates these works!!!

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read Jerrold's Black-Ey'd Susan for a class (not from this anthology, apparently the one I own doesn't exist on Goodreads). It's a nautical melodrama with no character development, only a semblance of a plot, and one of the most abrupt endings I've ever read. Basically, I now understand why 19th century British drama is, with the exception of Gilbert and Sullivan, largely ignored by pretty much everyone who reads and/or goes to the theater.

Harsh generalization, I know. Maybe the other plays I have to read will redeem this period/genre for me, though I'm not optimistic.