Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 'The Collected Works' is a monumental compilation of over 200 works including novels, plays, poems, essays, and his autobiography. Spanning various genres and styles, this collection showcases Goethe's versatility and genius as a writer. From the romanticism of 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' to the philosophical depth of 'Faust', readers are treated to a diverse literary experience that reflects the author's profound insights into human nature and society. Goethe's works continue to be studied and admired for their timeless relevance and artistic craftsmanship. The richness of his language and the complexity of his characters make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature. Goethe's influence on German literature and European Romanticism is evident throughout the pages of this comprehensive collection. His deep understanding of human emotions and the human condition shines through in every piece, leaving a lasting impact on readers of all generations. 'The Collected Works' is a literary treasure trove that will captivate and inspire literary enthusiasts for years to come.

George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham (1628-1687) was one of the most scandalous and controversial figures of the Restoration period. He was the principal author of The Rehearsal (1671), an enormously successful burlesque play that ridiculed John Dryden and the rhymed heroic drama. Historians remember Buckingham as an opponent who helped topple Clarendon from power in 1667, as a member of the 'Cabal' government in the early 1670s, and as an ally of the Earl of Shaftesbury in the political crisis of 1678-1683. The duke was prominent among the 'court wits' (Rochester, Etherege, Sedley, Dorset, Wycherley, and their circle); he was closely associated with such writers as Butler and Cowley; he was a conspicuous champion of religious toleration and a friend of William Penn. No edition of Buckingham has been published since 1775, partly because his work presents horrendous attribution problems. He was (probably) adapter or co-author of six plays (two of them vastly successful for more than a century) including one in French that appears here in English for the first time. He is also associated with nine topical pieces (variously political, religious, and satiric) and some twenty poems of wildly varying type. The 'Buckingham' commonplace book has previously been published only in fragmentary form. Almost all of these works present major difficulties in both attribution and annotation, here seriously addressed for the first time. This edition is a companion venture to Harold Love's important edition of Rochester (OUP, 1999).

George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham, was one of the most controversial figures of the late 17th century. He was the principal author of 'The Rehearsal' (1671), a burlesque play. This edition addresses the difficulties in both attribution and annotation that almost all of his works present.