Two beautifully crafted dramas set among the folk of the Aran Islands and western Irish coastlands. "The Playboy of the Western World" deals with its young hero's progress, in the eyes of others, from timid weakling to paragon of bravery. "Riders to the Sea" is a dark elegy to the fragile existence of those who live at the mercy of the sea. Reprinted from authoritative editions, complete with Synge's preface to "The Playboy of the Western World." New introductory Note.