Here in one volume are the complete texts of eight of the world’s greatest plays, masterful examples of the comic view of life in drama. This outstanding treasury of great reading includes the bawdy humor of Machiavelli’s ; the poignant, searching wit of Chekhov’s ; the ironic social comment of Shaw’s ; and five other influential works, including a new translation of Molière’s satire , which the editors have prepared especially for this book. Accompanied by provocative essays that define and explore the spirit, structure, and meaning of comedy, this unique volume is an ideal companion to the editors’ .