A lively early modern comedy of love, trickery, and social widgets, packed with sharp wit and comic misunderstandings.
Philotus is an 16th-century comedy reprinted from a Charteris edition, presenting a rich mix of romance, parental intrigue, and scheming. The plot braids a wealthy, aging lover’s pursuit of a young woman with rival suitors, a scheming procuress, and comic reversals that keep the action moving. The book also offers readers a window into how such plays were framed and presented for a club audience in Edinburgh in the 1830s.
The text combines dramatic dialogue with playful allusions to myth and classical figures, while a subplot follows Emelia’s resistance to an arranged match and the consequences of deception. The result is a brisk, character-driven piece that highlights social mores, marriage norms, and the humor found in human folly.
- Meet a rich, old suitor, a determined daughter, and a web of intrigues that drive the comedy.
- Enjoy brisk, early modern dialogue and humorous references to classical figures.
- Follow shifting loyalties, mistaken identities, and bold schemes that keep the plot twisting.
- Experience a theatrical voice that reflects its era’s social conventions with wit and energy.
Ideal for readers who enjoy period comedies, stage history, and language-driven humor from the early modern period.