Congreve, William (1670-1729) - English dramatist who is generally
considered the master of the British comedy of manners. He was a fellow
student of Jonathan Swift at Trinity College in Dublin.
The Way of the World (1700) - Now considered his greatest work, this play
was so poorly received in 1700 that Congreve resolved to write no more for
the stage. The plot revolves around Mirabell, a witty gentleman, and
Millamant, the equally witty coquette he wishes to marry.
