Plays by John M. Synge

Plays by John M. Synge
Author: John Millington Synge
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
Edition: 1911
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 350
Size: 3.5 inch x 5.5 inch

This 1911 edition of Plays by John M. Synge, published by George Allen & Unwin, is a literary treasure that brings together some of the most significant works in the history of modern drama. Housed in a compact 3.5 x 5.5 inch hardcover format and spanning 350 pages, this volume is a landmark of Irish theatrical literature and a must-have for collectors, scholars, and admirers of powerful stage writing.

John Millington Synge, a key figure of the Irish Literary Revival and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, is known for his profound and evocative depiction of Irish rural life. His plays are infused with naturalistic dialogue, mythic resonance, and dramatic intensity, capturing the struggles, wit, and spirit of Irish peasantry with both empathy and ironic detachment.

Included in this volume are Synge’s most celebrated works such as:

• Riders to the Sea – a haunting one-act tragedy praised for its poetic beauty and emotional depth.

• The Playboy of the Western World – a provocative, darkly comic masterpiece that stirred both acclaim and controversy upon its debut.

• The Tinker’s Wedding, The Well of the Saints, and other notable plays that showcase Synge’s gift for lyrical prose and sharp cultural commentary.

This edition preserves the early 20th-century charm of Synge’s original language and tone. Its small size belies the depth of insight it holds within—an intimate gateway to the turbulent, tragicomic lives of rural Ireland’s characters. The book is ideally suited for students of literature and theatre, as well as collectors of vintage drama texts, and those interested in the socio-political undercurrents of Irish history expressed through dramatic art.

Whether read for its literary brilliance or staged for its compelling emotional and cultural impact, Synge’s work continues to resonate with contemporary audiences for its timeless exploration of identity, myth, and human resilience.

• Author: John M. Synge, one of Ireland’s most important playwrights

• Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, 1911 edition

• Binding: Hardcover, vintage format

• Size: 3.5 x 5.5 inch – compact and collectible

• Pages: 350

• Includes: Riders to the Sea, The Playboy of the Western World, and more

• Captures rural Irish life with poetic realism and tragicomedy

• A foundational volume in the Irish Literary Revival movement

• Ideal for literature students, theatre enthusiasts, and collectors

• A valuable addition to libraries of classic world drama