This book is a systematic attempt to establish Sheridan as a major figure in the history of English comedy. Leading scholars address Sheridan's role not only as an outstanding playwright, but also as the manager of Drury Lane Theatre, and his subsequent career as a Member of Parliament. The essays examine the theatrical world in which Sheridan worked, discuss his major plays, and include a modern director's observations on the production of his work today. This is combined with an important re-evaluation of Sheridan's achievements as a master of rhetoric in the political arena, to provide a much needed contemporary assessment of this multifaceted man and his work.
List of illustrations; Notes on contributors; Some dates in Sheridan's life; Introduction; 1. Theatre in the age of Garrick and Sheridan Mark S. Auburn; 2. 'Future retrospection': rereading Sheridan's reviewers Richard C. Taylor; 3. Sheridan, Congreve and The School for Scandal Eric Rump; 4. Sheridan, Molière and the idea of the school in The School for Scandal James Morwood; 5. Satire and celebration in The Critic David Crane; 6. Sheridan and language Jack D. Durant; 7. Foiling the rival: argument and identity in Sheridan's speeches Christopher Reid; 8. The political career of Richard Brinsley Sheridan Christopher Clayton; 9. The ruin of a public man: the rise and fall of Richard Brinsley Sheridan as political reformer Marc Baer; 10. On producing Sheridan Peter Wood; Select bibliography; Alphabetical list of plays mentioned; Index.
