The Way of the World
About this book
The Way of the World is a comedy play written by the English playwright William Congreve, first performed in 1700. It premiered in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded by critics as one of the finest works of Restoration comedy ever written, and has often been called a centrepiece of the genre. Initially, however, the play struck many audience members as continuing the "immorality" of the previous decades, and was not well received.Our Dramatic Heritage: The Eighteenth Century, p.14, edited by Philip George Hill Public perception of the play gradually changed over time, and it eventually became noted for its important role in shaping the comedy of manners genre during the Restoration period, and continues to be adapted for performances in operas, concerts, and theatres. The Restoration period was a time of "fashionable facade." Englishmen condemned sexual promiscuity in public, but in private took a liking to the well-executed French wit, and such is reflected in the subject matter of the play. This may have contributed to the play not being well received when it initially came out.
Reader Profile
3.3/5 · 4597 readers · 182 pages · ≈ 3 h 22 m · Demanding
How long does it take to read The Way of the World?
About ≈ 3 h 22 m — 182 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.
How many pages is The Way of the World?
182 pages in its most-read edition.
What genre is The Way of the World?
It sits on the Drama, Fiction shelves.
Is The Way of the World in the public domain?
Yes — it is free to read and share.
Who are the main characters in The Way of the World?
The main characters include A. R Middleton Todd, Malcolm C. Salaman (1855-1940).
Where does The Way of the World take place?
It is set in England, London, London (England) during 17th century, Restoration, 1660-1700.
Who wrote The Way of the World?
William Congreve.
Where can I read The Way of the World online for free?
It is in the public domain — read it free on Open Library. Open Library
“My Lord,-Whether the world will arraign me of vanity or not, that I have presumed to dedicate this comedy to your lordship, I am yet in doubt; though, it may be, it is some degree of vanity even to doubt of it.”