The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts by SYNGE, J[ohn] M[illington] - 1911

Boston: John W. Luce & Company, 1911. First American Edition. Octavo (19cm); one quarter cream paper-covered boards, with dark green paper sides, stamped in gilt; spine in six compartments, with black/gilt label; 111pp. Spine tanned, crown slightly chipped; mild wear and soiling to boards, with minor bumps and rubbing to extremities. Textblock toning along extremities and margins, else clean; stamp on rear pastedown. A quite handsome, Very Good or Better copy.

This comedy by seminal Irish playwright (and Abbey Theatre co-founder/director) John M. Synge caused quite the stir at its 1907 debut, when audiences rioted over its apparently offensive content. Nevertheless, the play—concerning a young man who charms the town with tall tales of patricide—is regarded as a masterpiece today and has since seen several re-stagings and reinterpretations, including a feature film.