BOOK BRIEF

The London Merchant

George Lillo
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The London Merchant

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1995

Book Brief

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George Lillo

The London Merchant

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

52

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London • 18th century

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1590L

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Super Short Summary

The London Merchant by George Lillo is an 18th-century domestic tragedy that follows an apprentice who faces moral challenges and temptation. The play explores themes of virtue, social class, and the consequences of personal choices, highlighting the impact of these challenges on the individual and those around them.

Melancholic

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.4

378 ratings

26%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

36%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The London Merchant by George Lillo is praised for its pioneering role in bourgeois tragedy, connecting with audiences through relatable characters and moral themes. However, some critics find its didactic approach overly simplistic and the plot predictable. Despite this, it remains significant for its depiction of middle-class struggles.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The London Merchant?

Readers who enjoy The London Merchant by George Lillo are often drawn to early 18th-century domestic tragedies focusing on common people. They might also appreciate works like Clarissa by Samuel Richardson for its exploration of moral and emotional dilemmas.

3.4

378 ratings

26%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

36%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The London Merchant, first performed in 1731, is credited with pioneering a new genre of drama known as the "domestic tragedy," which focused on the lives of ordinary, middle-class people rather than aristocrats or mythological figures.

George Lillo's play was based on a real-life case that was widely publicized in contemporary newspapers, which added to its appeal and relevance to audiences at the time.

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The play was performed annually for many years on December 26th, the holiday of St. Stephen's Day, which was traditionally associated with acts of charity and reflection on moral virtues.

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Book Details
Pages

52

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

London • 18th century

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1590L

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