This superb edition includes selections form 2 exciting centuries of British drama. The 8 plays include George Farquhar's The Beaux Stratagem; Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest; Richard Steele's The Conscious Lovers; John Gay's The Beggar's Opera; George Lillo's The London Merchant; Richard Brinsley Sheridan's The School for Scandal; Dion Boucicault's The Octoroon; and W.S. Gilbert's Ruddigore. Each of these 8 plays enjoyed much success in its day, developing the resources and conventions of the stage as we know them today. The wit, humor, charm, and psychological insight of these timeless pieces, along with the understanding of a larger society, exemplify a landmark contribution to our great theatrical tradition.