The Real Thing: I wasn't a huge fan of this play, but that's probably due to my lack of interest in romantic themes in literature. The Life Imitates Art angle had potential, but didn't engage me enough to make a difference, and there was never a point that I really felt invested in any of the characters. Not a bad play, but not really for me.

can anyone send me an e-book of tom stoppard plays 5 .. please i need it and can't find it at any shop or library.

Tom Stoppard's drama is complex and full of witty wordplay. It can be confusing, especially upon first reading or viewing, but all of that is just a part of what makes his work so beautiful and appealing to the reader or playgoer who, caught up in the wordplay and fireworks of the complexity, experiences the brilliant result. This collection has two, maybe three, of his best works - or at least my favorites. Like all great works of literature they are worth returning to; the levels of meaning continue to unfold a reveal the worth of each play. ( )

Liked Arcadia a lot. Play switches between a group of friends in the present and a family in the past. In the past there is a tutor and a smart young girl and her brother, sister and mother. A historian in th epresent is trying to restore the gardens of the house and unfolds the stories of the past.

The Real Thing was not as good, but still enjoyable about two couples and their relationships and affairs and break ups.

His writing is very witty and fun, I would love to see the plays live. ( )

Tom Stoppard is my favorite modern playwright bar none. I own and pretty much love/admire all his works, but do believe that if I could only own one book by Stoppard, this collection, featuring five of his most mature and poignant plays, is the one I'd keep and treasure. 'Arcadia' alone, brilliant, funny, philosophical, and ultimately extremely poignant, is worth the $17.00 price tag, but this book also contains the witty, suspenseful 'Hapgood', wry, touching and all too real 'The Real Thing', and the wonderful, too little known 'Indian Ink'. While 'Night and Day' pales a bit besides these more mature and spectacularly successful works, it's still a far better play than most playwrights might ever hope to pen. An absolutely essential volume for anyone interested in great theater. ( )