A landmark paperback edition of three seminal works of Irish drama, collected in one essential volume. Originally performed in the 1920s, these plays remain vivid, raw, and profoundly human—portraying working-class Dublin during times of political upheaval, with O'Casey's trademark blend of tragedy, laughter, and lyrical language.
This Faber & Faber 1998 edition gathers The Shadow of a Gunman (1923), Juno and the Paycock (1924), and The Plough and the Stars (1926)—three plays that defined modern Irish theatre and cemented O'Casey's place as one of the 20th century's greatest dramatists.
Each play illuminates the lives of ordinary Dubliners caught between poverty, family loyalty, and the cataclysm of Irish independence and civil war. O'Casey's ear for dialogue is unmatched: his characters speak with crackling wit, raw emotion, and a poetic rhythm that lifts even the darkest moments. The introduction by Christopher Murray situates these works in their historical and literary context, while reflections from Seamus Heaney and Arthur Miller attest to O'Casey's enduring influence.
This is a solid reading copy and essential reference for anyone studying Irish theatre, 20th-century drama, or the literary response to Irish independence. The text remains fully legible; the binding is tight and serviceable.
What's Inside
Introduction by Christopher Murray
Contextualizing O'Casey's life, Dublin, and the plays' revolutionary impact on Irish and world theatre.
The Shadow of a Gunman (1923)
A tenement comedy set during the Irish War of Independence, centring on Donal Davoren, a poet mistaken for an IRA gunman.
Juno and the Paycock (1924)
O'Casey's masterpiece: a tragicomedy of a Dublin working-class family torn apart by the Civil War and the false promise of inheritance.
The Plough and the Stars (1926)
A searing account of the 1916 Easter Rising seen through the eyes of tenement-dwellers, mixing comedy, patriotism, and heartbreak.
Specifications
| Author | Sean O'Casey |
|---|---|
| Title | Three Dublin Plays |
| Publisher | Faber & Faber |
| Publication Year | 1998 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Pages | 272 |
| ISBN | 9780571195520 |
| Language | English |
| Dimensions (approx.) | 197 mm height × 127 mm width |
| Weight (approx.) | 255 g |
| Genre | Drama / Plays |
| Era | 1990s (edition); plays originally 1920s |
| Literary Movement | Modernism / Irish Theatre |
Condition Report
Good Condition — Well-Read Copy
This book shows clear signs of use and age, consistent with its history as a well-loved reading copy. The cover bears visible creasing, edge wear, and surface marks; the spine shows the natural stress of handling. A previous owner's name is written inside the front cover. Pages are tanned and aged but remain tightly bound and fully legible throughout. There are no loose leaves, missing pages, or serious structural defects.
This is an honest, authentic reading copy—exactly what a collector or student of Irish drama should expect at this price point. Please examine the photographs closely to judge the condition for yourself before purchase.
Why This Edition?
- Complete & Essential. All three of O'Casey's landmark Dublin plays in one volume—no need to hunt for individual editions. A comprehensive introduction and critical essays round out the collection.
- Faber & Faber Authority. Published by one of the world's most prestigious drama publishers, this 1998 edition benefits from modern annotation and a thoughtful critical apparatus while preserving the canonical text.
- Indispensable for Students. Essential reading for drama courses, Irish literature programmes, and anyone studying the modernist theatre of the early 20th century.
- Collector's Reference. O'Casey's influence on contemporary theatre, screenwriting, and political drama remains profound. This edition is a foundational text for understanding modern dramatic realism.
- Authentic & Affordable. A genuine, well-worn reading copy at a fraction of new retail price—perfect for collectors who value substance over pristine condition.