Showing results by author "Oliver Goldsmith" in All Categories

Starring James Marsters, this classic comedy of manners from 1773 is still widely performed and studied. Love, lies, and dysfunctional families. Sound like your last family gathering? Try this one on for laughs. Two randy young gents, Charles and George, set out to woo the alluring and upper-crust Kate and Constance. But inexperienced Charles is shy and clumsy around upper-class ladies, so it’s the barmaid who catches his eye. But is she really who she seems?

First published in 1766 and a perennial favorite since then, The Vicar of Wakefield is built around the naïve but loveable figure of Dr Primrose. He and his family live in rural bliss until disaster threatens to destroy their happiness: abduction, impoverishment and betrayal combine to lay them low, but a surprising figure brings hope when all seems lost.

The Irish are known the world over as friendly and engaging talkers with a word here and a few words there to each and every soul they meet. Their poets dazzle with talent and verse that few other nations dare compete with. What follows demonstrates why.

The simple village vicar, Mr. Primrose, is living with his wife and six children in complete tranquility until unexpected calamities force them to weather one hilarious adventure after another. Goldsmith plays out this classic comedy of manners with a light, ironic touch that is irresistibly charming.

Step into a world of societal dynamics and family tribulations, where the virtues of honesty and integrity are tested against the backdrop of changing fortunes. This title evokes themes of resilience and moral challenges, capturing the essence of personal and communal struggles. Our podcast offers a rotating collection of full-length audiobooks, each week presenting a different classic that explores these timeless conflicts. Listeners can enjoy a variety of narratives spanning diverse perspectives, historical contexts, and literary styles, making each episode a unique journey. Whether you're ...

In the delightful comedy She Stoops to Conquer, or The Mistakes of a Night, a spirited young lady disguises herself as a servant to capture the heart of a painfully shy young man from her own social class. What follows is a whirlwind of hilarious misadventures and chaotic encounters that lead to an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion. First performed in 1773, this timeless play remains a favorite among audiences, showcasing the brilliance of English comedy. (Summary by LA Walden) Cast Mr. Hardcastle - Bob Neufeld, Sir Charles Marlow - David Lawrence, Young Marlow - bala, Hastings - Brett W. ...

This beautifully curated anthology draws on major historical figures including Emerson, Thoreau, Carlyle, Oliver Goldsmith, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Francis Bacon, Montaigne, and Aristotle. The pieces range across themes such as the sentiment of friendship, its pleasures, and the art of choosing...

First published in 1766, the loveable and innocent Dr Primrose and his family have given pleasure to all that have read it. The story opens with the vicar losing his fortune and moving to another parish. What follows is a tale of love, deceit, betrayal, humour and a hidden hero... It was one of Charles Dickens favorite books and a source of inspiration to him. No further recommendation is needed. Enjoy.

A squire's mansion is mistaken for an inn. His daughter, pretending to be a barmaid, tries to win the love of the bashful Marlowe. Havoc ensues.

Anglo-Irish author Oliver Goldsmith was one of the most accomplished writers of the 18th century. A novelist, playwright, poet and essayist, he came to fame with his novel The Vicar of Wakefield and comic play She Stoops to Conquer. Both those classics are included here, with star casts including Julia McKenzie, Amanda Root, Peter Jeffrey and Sunny Ormonde.

From the instance of its first publication, in 1766, Oliver Goldsmith's novel of Christian piety and endurance has stood the test of time. The story is told in the first person by a vicar, Dr. Primrose, who, along with his wife and six children, lives a rural idyllic life in a country parish. It is a very sophisticated work which contrasts the forces that separate religious principal from the actual experiences of life. It is also a delightful, sentimental work whose amusing characters are both wise and foolish, brave and cowardly, rich and poor, as well as honest and knavish.

Step into the whimsical world of The Good-Natured Man, a comedic gem from the playwright behind the celebrated She Stoops to Conquer. This delightful tale weaves together themes of misguided charity, mistaken identity, and hidden romance. Will the benevolent Will Honeywood uncover the deceptions surrounding his goodwill? Can Leontine and Olivias complex relationship withstand the scrutiny of their secrets? And what schemes is the enigmatic Lofty concocting? Join us for a lively journey filled with humor and intrigue! (Summary by Amanda Friday)

The story opens in the country parsonage of Dr. Primrose, a kindly man who has a good heart, a good family, and a good income. Suddenly, his idyllic life is cruelly devastated by a series of misfortunes, and he ends up in prison. Yet, despite all this calamity and injustice, the vicar never loses sight of Christian morality, a conviction which lends him genuine nobility and, in the end, also brings justice and the restoration of his family and fortune.

"The Vicar of Wakefield" (1766) lives an idyllic life in a country parish with his wife Deborah, son George, daughters Olivia and Sophia, and three other children. He is wealthy due to investing an inheritance he received from a deceased relative, and he donates the £34 that his job pays annually to local orphans and war veterans. On the evening of George’s wedding to wealthy Arabella, the Vicar loses all his money through the bankruptcy of his merchant investor who has left town abruptly.

The kindly vicar's idyllic life in a country parsonage is suddenly devastated by many misfortunes. Even when jailed, however, he keeps his faith uppermost. This and his nobility of spirit help to bring justice to himself, his wife, and his children.

Called by Lord Byron, "The most exquisite of all romances in miniature," The Vicar of Wakefield is the story of a simple reverend who, losing his fortune, moves his family to a new part of the country and tries to live according to his beliefs. He and his family make an Arcadian picture of affectionate accord. That is, until the idyll is rudely disturbed by a notorious seducer. The book is a classic comedy of manners and a satire on the moralistic tales of the period.

First published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield introduces the endearing Dr. Primrose and his family, whose charming adventures have delighted readers for centuries. The story begins with the vicar facing a sudden loss of fortune, leading him to a new parish where a captivating tale of love, deceit, betrayal, humor, and a hidden hero unfolds. Celebrated by Charles Dickens as one of his favorite novels, this timeless classic promises an unforgettable journey. Sit back and enjoy this literary gem. (Summary by Tadhg)

Charming satire of the sentimental comedies of the day has entertained audiences since 1773. A young lady poses as a serving girl to win the heart of a young gentleman too shy to court ladies of his own class. Many delightful deceits, hilarious turns of plot must be played out before the play...

First published in 1766 and a perennial favourite since then, The Vicar of Wakefield is built around the naive but loveable figure of Dr. Primrose. He and his family live in rural bliss until disaster threatens to destroy their happiness: abduction, impoverishment, and betrayal combine to lay them low, but a surprising figure brings hope when all seems lost...

Together with "The Vicar of Wakefield" and "She Stoops to Conquer", these two poems are the best-known works of the Irish literary maverick Oliver Goldsmith.