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Thomas Middleton

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
The Changeling is Middleton and Rowley's masterpiece. A tale of murder, lust, seduction and blackmail in the seventeenth century.
Alsemero has fallen in love with the beautiful Beatrice after a chance meeting in a church - but Beatrice has already been promised to another man. Unable to marry the man she loves, she employs the hated De Flores, her father's servant, to murder the man her father bids her marry. As payment, De Flores demands Beatrice. And then things get worse...
Edited and introduced by Trevor Griffiths.

Nick Hern Books

NHB Drama Classi

The Changeling: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Anton Chekhov

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
The Cherry Orchard is Chekhov's classic tragicomedy, translated and introduced by Stephen Mulrine.
Ranevskaya can no longer afford to keep her childhood home with its beautiful but barren cherry orchard. She rejects the compromise offered by Lopakhin, a local businessman, to cut down the orchard and sell the land for holiday homes. Eventually Ranevskaya and her family are forced to leave the estate which Lopakhin has now bought.

The Cherry Orchard: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Pedro Calderón

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.

Life is a Dream is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Golden Age.

It is foretold that Prince Sigismund will become a tyrant. Alarmed, his father, the king, imprisons him. When he is released for a day as an experiment he proves the omens only too right, and, as a result, is incarcerated once more. Sigismund persuades himself that all that has passed is a dream and emerges to rule wisely and justly.

'the star of the festival -- John Clifford's translation reclaims a Spanish masterpiece for the modern stage' - Guardian

Life is a Dream: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Eugène Labiche

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
An Italian Straw Hat is a classic farce from 1851.
Fadinard is on the way to his wedding when his horse eats a straw hat hanging on a bush. The owner of the hat is a former girlfriend who insists that Fadinard buys her a new hat instantly. He sets off to find a replacement hat, followed by his fiancée and all their guests. The play develops into a delirious chase as Fadinard hunts the hat and the guests hunt Fadinard and comic misunderstandings litter every scene.
Translated and introduced by Kenneth McLeish.

An Italian Straw Hat: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

D.H. Lawrence

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding. Lawrence's second play, written in 1910 but unpublished until 1914, is an intense and powerful drama in the naturalist tradition, set in a Nottinghamshire mining town. This edition includes an introduction by Colin Counsell, a glossary of difficult words, a chronology and suggestions for further reading.

The Widowing of Mrs Holroyd: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Molière

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.

Molière's classic farce, Le Malade Imaginaire, in a fresh and performable translation.

The 'imaginary invalid' Argan is so obsessed with his health that he fails to notice what is happening around him in his own family. His scheming wife and loving daughter are finally revealed to him in their true light by Argan's brother, who poses as a quack doctor and suggests he feigns death to test their loyalty.

Translated and introduced by Martin Sorrell.

The Hypochondriac: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Christopher Marlowe

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding. Doctor Faustus tells the classic story of a learned Doctor who sells his soul to the devil. This edition contains two self-contained versions of the play, known as the A-text and the B-text, allowing readers to compare the available versions, and performers to choose the version that suits them best. It also contains a full introduction, notes on further reading, a chronology and a glossary of difficult words. Edited by D.Bevington & E.Rasmussen, and introduced by Simon Trussler.

Doctor Faustus: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Sophocles

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.

Antigonei s the first great 'resistance' drama - and perhaps the definitive Greek tragedy.

Creon, the King of Thebes, has forbidden the burial of Antigone's brother because he was put to death as a traitor to the crown. Despite being engaged to Creon's son Haemon, Antigone disobeys the King and buries her brother. Enraged, Creon condemns Antigone to death and buries her alive in a cave. The prophet Teiresias warns Creon against such rash actions, and eventually Creon relents - but when he goes to release Antigone it is too late: she has already hanged herself.

Translated and introduced by Marianne McDonald.

Antigone: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

George Farquhar

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
In The Beaux Stratagem a pair of London gentlemen pose as a Lord and his servant in order to procure one handsome dowry to split between them. While Aimwell, the 'lord', works on the affections of Lady Bountiful's daughter Dorinda, his 'servant' Archer makes his bid for her son's wife.
Edited and introduced by Simon Trussler.

The Beaux Stratagem: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Luigi Pirandello

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
Six Characters in Search of an Author is Pirandello's play about the nature of theatre and the problems of theatricality. Six characters, whose author has abandoned them mid-process, turn up at a rehearsal and demand to be played by the actors present in order to resolve their tragedy and become 'real'.
Translated and introduced by Stephen Mulrine.

Six Characters in Search of an Author: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Euripides

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
Bacchae was first performed in Athens in 405 BC. At the whim of Dionysos, a son is torn to pieces by his own mother during the famous women-only Bacchanalian ritual. The story of revenge by the half-man half-god on Pentheus, King of Thebes, and all his people.

Bacchae: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Ben Jonson

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
In The Alchemist Face, Subtle and Dol Common are three rogues intent on conning the gullible out of their money. Setting up a quack-doctor's practice in Lovewit's house they promise miraculous services that cost their customers dear. Everything goes swimmingly, until Lovewit returns and the three turn against each other.
Edited by Simon Trussler, with an introduction by Colin Counsell.

The Alchemist: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Carlo Goldoni

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
Over two hundred and fifty years since it was written, The Servant of Two Masters, a classic of Italian comedy, remains blisteringly hilarious and relevant.
Disguising herself as her dead brother, Beatrice travels to Venice to find Florindo, the man responsible for his death. However her servant, Truffaldino, enters into the pay of Florindo and struggles to keep his two lives and masters separate.

The Servant of Two Masters: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Frank Wedekind

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
Frank Wedekind's famously banned German play, Spring Awakening, was written in 1891 and focuses on a group of classmates and explores adolescent sexuality and the emotional consequences if suppressed.

Spring Awakening: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Henrik Ibsen

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
An Enemy of the People tells the story of an idealistic doctor, Stockmann, who discovers that the waters from which his native spa town draws its wealth are dangerously contaminated. As the citizens realise the financial implications, Stockmann comes under increasing pressure to keep silent.
Translated and introduced by Stephen Mulrine.

An Enemy of the People: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
The Recruiting Officer is a Restoration Comedy with a real heart and soul.
Captain Plume arrives in Shrewsbury to recruit new soldiers. He falls for Sylvia - against her father's wishes. Rather than be sent away, Sylvia disguises herself as a man and so learns more about Plume than he would really like.
Edited and introduced by Simon Trussler.

The Recruiting Officer: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
A Doll's House is Ibsen's revolutionary tale of Nora's awakening to her need for a life of her own.
Translated and introduced by Kenneth McLeish.

A Doll's House: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.
Alceste, the misanthrope, hates all mankind, and despairs of its hypocrisy and falseness. He believes that the world could be perfected if people were more honest with each other. But when his honesty starts to make him enemies, and the target of malicious gossips, it is his world and his life which suffer. He alienates his love, elimene, and reproaches her coquettish, flirty ways; he is summoned before the court of marshals to defend a candid opinion about Oronte's terrible poetry - a case which he knows he will lose despite the justness of the cause. He begins to realise that the only way to be left out of gossip is to get out of society - but will elimene go with him, or is she just like everybody else?
Translated and introduced by Stephen Mulrine

The Misanthrope: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Georg Büchner

The NHB Drama Classics series presents the world's greatest plays in affordable, highly readable editions for students, actors and theatregoers. The hallmarks of the series are accessible introductions (focussing on the play's theatrical and historical background, together with an author biography, key dates and suggestions for further reading) and the complete text, uncluttered with footnotes. The translations, by leading experts in the field, are accurate and above all actable. The editions of English-language plays include a glossary of unusual words and phrases to aid understanding.

Woyzeck is one of the most performed and influential plays in German theatre. A modern classic that remains frighteningly relevant today.

Franz Woyzeck, a lowly soldier stationed in a provincial German town, is bullied by his superiors and starved by the regiment's doctor in the name of scientific experiment. His only pleasures in life are his lover Marie and their innocent young son. But when Woyzeck learns that Marie has been unfaithful with the regiment's handsome Drum Major, he murders his lover in a fit of rage and hopelessness.

Based on a real-life murder trial that took place in Germany in the 1820s, the play was written in 1837 but not staged until 1913.

This edition, translated by Gregory Motton, includes an introduction by Kenneth McLeish, a chronology and suggestions for further reading.

Woyzeck: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

Georges Feydeau

Drama Classics series
The world's great plays at a great little price.
Each pocket-sized volume contains:
a full introduction

an author biography notes on historical and theatrical context

a plot synopsis key dates

a further reading list a glossary of unusual words and phrases (English-language texts)
A Flea in her Ear is a classic French farce from 1907.
A suspicious wife sets a trap to expose her supposedly faithless husband. The husband however bears an uncanny resemblance to a drunken porter, and when circumstances bring the two into proximity in the seedy Hotel Casablanca, all hell breaks loose.
With an introduction by Stephen Mulrine.

NHB Drama Classi - The book series

NHB Drama Classi - The book series

NHB Drama Classi books in order

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