A Day Well Spent: A Farce, in One Act (ePub)

John Oxenford (1812-1877) was a prolific English playwright, critic, and translator whose literary career spanned the greater part of the 19th century. An erudite figure in Victorian literary circles, he distinguished himself early on with his adeptness at farce and comedy. His work 'A Day Well Spent: A Farce, in One Act' stands as a consummate example of his skill in crafting succinct, humorous theatrical pieces that resonate with a keen wit. Oxenford's keen sense of timing and punchy dialogue made this work, and others like it, a favorite in the repertoires of 19th-century English theatre companies. His literary style, often characterized by a sharp, yet light-hearted examination of the human condition, appealed to a wide audience. Oxenford is also well-remembered for his translations, particularly those of Goethe's works, which helped to bridge the literary worlds of England and Germany. His translation of Goethe's 'Egmont' is but one example of his significant contribution to making German literature accessible to English-speaking readers. Moreover, Oxenford's contributions to periodicals such as 'Punch' and 'The Times' reveal the diversity of his talents, encompassing theatre criticism and cultural commentary. Through his extensive body of work, Oxenford helped to shape the tastes and enhance the cultural knowledge of his contemporaries.