Discover 'The Faithful Virgins', the groundbreaking first print edition of a remarkable play by E. Polwhele, one of England’s earliest women playwrights during the Restoration era. This 2024 release from The University of Chicago Press unveils the captivating tragicomedy that, until now, only existed in an unsigned manuscript at the Bodleian Library in Oxford University. 'The Faithful Virgins', performed by the Duke’s Company in London between 1669 and 1671, offers a fascinating glimpse into the theatrical landscape of the time, diverging notably from Polwhele's more renowned work, 'The Frolicks; or, The Lawyer Cheated' (1671). This modern-spelling edition not only breathes new life into a lost masterpiece but also includes a comprehensive introduction that contextualizes the play within the dramatic shifts in English theater practices post-civil war. Explore the vibrant social and political tapestry of seventeenth-century London through the lens of Polwhele's artistry. Ideal for theater enthusiasts, history buffs, and scholars alike, 'The Faithful Virgins' is a must-have addition to your collection for its unique perspective on female playwrights in early modern England and the evolution of stage performance. Dive into this essential piece of theatrical history and celebrate the pioneering spirit of women in entertainment.