Book excerpt: Restoration era playwright and poet, Thomas Otway remains a prominent figure in the development of sentimental drama. His verses and plays are celebrated for their convincing depiction of human emotions, produced in an age of heroic, yet artificial tragedies. ‘Venice Preserved’, his undoubted masterpiece, was an enduring theatrical success and enjoyed countless revivals in the ensuing decades, establishing the tragedy as one of the most important works of seventeenth century drama. Otway’s long poem ‘The Poets Complaint of his Muse’ was an open attack against his literary enemies and critics, revealing his sabre-sharp wit and ingenious gift of witty invention. The Delphi Poets Series offers readers the works of literature’s finest poets, with superior formatting. For the first time in digital print, this volume presents Otway’s complete works, with numerous illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Otway’s life and works * Concise introduction to Otway’s life and plays * The complete plays of Thomas Otway, including rare dramas appearing here for the first time in digital publishing * The poetry texts are based on T. Thornton’s 1813 standard edition of Otway * Images of how the books were first printed, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts * Excellent formatting of the poems * Easily locate the poems you want to read * Includes Otway’s rare letters — first time in digital print * Features four biographies, including the first biography of Otway by Theophilus Cibber — discover Otway’s intriguing life * Scholarly ordering of texts into chronological order and literary genres Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to see our wide range of poet titles CONTENTS: The Life and Poetry of Thomas Otway Brief Introduction: Thomas Otway Complete Poetical Works of Thomas Otway The Plays Alcibiades Don Carlos, Prince of Spain Titus and Berenice The Cheats of Scapin Friendship in Fashion The History and Fall of Caius Marius The Orphan The Soldier’s Fortune Venice Preserved The Atheist The Letters The Letters of Thomas Otway The Biographies Thomas Otway by Theophilus Cibber Otway by Samuel Johnson Thomas Otway by Roden Noel Thomas Otway by Sidney Lee Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of poetry titles or buy the entire Delphi Poets Series as a Super Set