Plays, Written by Sir John Vanbrugh, Volume the First

A collection of dramatic works written in the late 17th century. This volume, the first of two, includes notable plays such as ''The Relapse'' and ''The Provok'd Wife.'' Thematically, the works delve into the complexities of love and societal morality, often exploring the tensions between virtue and vice through the misadventures of various characters. The opening of ''The Relapse,'' the first play included in this collection, introduces the leading character, Loveless, who delights in his tranquil domestic life but is soon drawn into a world of temptation. As he muses on the pleasures of love and the perils of returning to the indulgences of his youth, his wife Amanda expresses her concerns about the dangers of urban temptation, setting the stage for a conflict between fidelity and the allure of the past. Meanwhile, the play showcases a vibrant cast, including Young Fashion and Lord Foppington, who navigate their own comical yet troublesome pursuits, emphasizing the themes of misunderstanding and societal folly that are prevalent throughout Vanbrugh's work.