The Libertine

The Libertine: A Tragedy is a play written by Thomas Shadwell and first performed in 1676. The play is set in 17th-century London and follows the life of the libertine, Dorimant, who is a womanizer and a gambler. Dorimant is a wealthy and charming man who has no regard for the feelings of others and uses his wit and charm to manipulate those around him. The play explores themes of love, lust, and betrayal, as Dorimant pursues the virtuous and wealthy Harriet, while also carrying on affairs with other women. The play also features a subplot involving the scheming Lady Fidget, who is determined to marry off her daughter to Dorimant, despite his reputation as a libertine. As the play progresses, Dorimant's actions catch up with him and he is forced to confront the consequences of his behavior. The play ultimately ends in tragedy, as Dorimant's actions lead to the death of Harriet and his own downfall. The Libertine: A Tragedy is considered a classic example of Restoration comedy, a genre that flourished in the late 17th century and was characterized by its bawdy humor and satirical commentary on contemporary society. The play is also notable for its portrayal of the libertine, a popular literary archetype of the time, who was often depicted as a charming and witty rogue who flouted social conventions and moral norms.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.