The Man of Mode: New Edition

Book Details

• Author: George Etherege

• Publisher: Methuen Drama India

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9789356406827

• Cover: Paperback

• Pages: 208

• Release Date: 18-12-2023

About the Book

The Man of Mode by George Etherege stands as a quintessential example of Restoration wit and elegance, a hallmark of English comedic theatre. This polished and poised play is celebrated for its effortless charm and mastery of dramatic sprezzatura, or graceful nonchalance, embodied in the charismatic and dangerously attractive central character.

Beneath its glittering surface of social satire and urbane dialogue lies a deeper tension. Etherege crafts a world where the frolicsome lives of fashionable Londoners barely mask the underlying emotional violence and moral ambiguity. This tension between surface ease and underlying depth makes the play not only one of the funniest but also one of the most thought-provoking comedies of its time.

This scholarly edition brings the play vividly to life for modern readers and students:

• A fully modernized text, adhering to the highest editorial standards

• Comprehensive commentary notes and line-by-line annotations that explain difficult words and provide critical and staging insights

• An engaging introduction discussing the political and theatrical context of the Restoration period

• Insights into the play’s performance history, including the acclaimed 2007 modern-dress production by Nicholas Hytner

• A plot summary and annotated bibliography for further study and academic exploration

Part of the New Mermaids series, this edition is ideal for students of English literature, drama enthusiasts, and scholars of Restoration theatre. Etherege’s linguistic finesse and subtle critique of social mores continue to make The Man of Mode a classic work of enduring relevance and theatrical brilliance.