The most popular English dramatist at the turn of the nineteenth century, George Colman the Younger earned his fame as a gifted writer of comedy and farce. Of course he was funny; everyone knew that. His sense of humor was legendary. People sought his company, invited him to dinner, and followed his conversation just to enjoy the pleasure of his warm wit. They found him an extremely convivial, charming, generous man. Neither his comedy nor his humor were cruel--low, broad, vulgar at times, but never cruel. He felt a benevolent affection for his most pitiful comic characters. On the other hand, he was also perhaps too vain, too fond of fine clothes and drink, too extravagant in satisfying his tastes. In some sense his best plays were a reflection of himself: solid, honest, a bit too busy or theatrical, and usually disorganized, but full of robust, good humor...