Carlo Goldoni

Carlo Goldoni (1707–1793) was an Italian playwright and librettist from the Republic of Venice. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Italian comedy and is best known for his realistic portrayal of characters and the middle class life of his time. Goldoni's plays were innovative in that they moved away from the traditional commedia dell'arte style with its stock characters and improvised dialogue, towards a more scripted and realistic form of drama. Some of his most famous works include 'The Servant of Two Masters' and 'The Mistress of the Inn'. His contributions to Italian theatre have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the great playwrights of the 18th century.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Servant Of Two Masters

    Cover of 'The Servant Of Two Masters' by Carlo Goldoni

    The play is a classic Italian comedy that revolves around the clever and resourceful Truffaldino, who seeks to serve two different masters simultaneously in the hope of doubling his income. The ensuing plot is a whirlwind of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic confusions. As Truffaldino scrambles to keep his dual employment a secret, the characters are entangled in a series of humorous situations involving love-struck young lovers, a feisty soubrette, and a pair of stern fathers. The play culminates in a series of revelations and reconciliations that restore social order and conclude with festive celebrations.

    The 6947th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. La Triologia Della Villegiatura

    Cover of 'La Triologia Della Villegiatura' by Carlo Goldoni

    "La Trilogia della Villegiatura" is a series of three comedies that satirize the habits and foibles of the middle class in 18th-century Italy as they engage in the fashionable practice of taking a holiday in the countryside. The trilogy follows a group of friends and their families as they navigate the social and romantic complexities of their vacation. Throughout the plays, the characters deal with issues of love, marriage, and social status, revealing the pretentiousness and shallowness of their behavior. The author uses wit and humor to critique the obsession with appearances and the frivolity of his contemporaries, while also exploring deeper themes of human nature and relationships.

    The 10939th Greatest Book of All Time