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Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name of Moliere, stands without a rival at the head of French comedy. Born at Paris in January, 1622, where his father held a position in the royal household, he was educated at the Jesuit College de Clermont, and for some time studied law, which he soon abandoned for the stage. His life was spent in Paris and in the provinces, acting, directing performances, managing theaters, and writing plays. He had his share of applause from the king and from the public; but the satire in his comedies made him many enemies, and he was the object of the most venomous attacks and the most impossible slanders. Nor did he find much solace at home; for he married unfortunately, and the unhappiness that followed increased the bitterness that public hostility had brought into his life. "The Misanthrope," considered to be one of Moliere's greatest works, is a truly original and sophisticated dramatic comedy. ... Read more

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Molier's Misanthrope
The Misanthrope is a comic masterpiece and applies as aptly to modern society as it did to France of the day. The story is of Alceste, who rails against the superficialties of the court, annoying others with his brutal straighforwardness. He alienates those who want praise for their amateur poems, who lobby in the courts for their cases, or who as friends balk from his acrid pronouncements. Meanwhile, he cannot see his own foibles: in love with the impossibly insincere Celimene, a flirt who consorts with the most affected foppish band of suitors, he spurns the virtuous Eliante, his most suitable mate. Eventually, Celimene decides she does love Alceste above all others. But needing to maintain his distance from others, he decides to flee the civilized world and live in the desert. So, as superficial and insincere is the society in which he lives, the joke is on Alcese, ever married to his contrary ways and his wholehearted rejection of the polite world of the French court. Nobody wins, his romantic victory is Phyrric, and Alceste as man of honor and truth becomes as laughably comic as the precious, affected world he criticizes. A great translation in verse and a poignant criticism of criticism itself. From a psychologist's points of view, penetrating, acute, and wise, from a great satirists. Damon LaBarbera, PhD ... Read more

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Molière both shocked and entertained his audiences by promoting scandalous attitudes damaging to the Church and professional classes of the 17th century. This text examines the dramatist's work, including L'École des femmes, Tartuffe, Don Jaun, Le Misanthrope, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, and Le Malade imaginaire.

This series is edited by Harold Bloom, Sterling Professor of the Humanities, Yale University; Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Professor of English, New York University Graduate School; preeminent literary critic of our time. Titles present the most important 20th-century criticism on major works from The Odyssey through modern literature reflecting a variety of schools of criticism. Texts also contain critical biographies, notes on the contributing critics, a chronology of the author's life, and an index, and an introductory essay by Bloom. ... Read more

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I declare I cannot rest anywhere; my mind is troubled by a thousand cares, thinking how to contrive, both indoors and out, so as to frustrate the attempts of this coxcomb. With what assurance the traitress stood the sight of me! She is not a whit moved by all that she has done, and though she has brought me within an inch of the grave, one could swear, to look at her, that she had no hand in it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderfully fresh translation
Bolt achieves with his translation of Moliere's classic comedy what David Hirson did with his 1991 play, La Bete. While remaining true to the general language of Moliere's time and rhyming couplets in iambic pentameter, Bolt is still able to sprinkle modern touches that make the comedy pop out even more.Bolt's British wit sparkles through the French comedy, making for an enjoyable read as well as performance.

Interesting, too, is Nicholas Dromgoole's introduction, which makes some incredibly interesting points yet also keeps in tone with Bolt's take on Moliere's commedia dell'arte-influenced School For Wives.

Whether you're a fan of Moliere or a novice to his works, Bolt's translation of The School for Wives is a fantastic read that keeps the comedy alive, even after 350 years.

Very amusing satire.
I read this play for a French Lit. class (in the original French)and enjoyed Moliere's sense of humor. I laughed out loud as I watched everyone's plans go horribly awry. A great classic social commentary. Itcenters around one man's obsessive fear of cuckoldry (when a man's wifecheats on him), and the extremes to which he goes to avoid this. Hepractically emprisons a girl/young woman so that she can be raised properlyand will make a faithful and obedient wife when she finally matures. Thisof course leads him into a muddle of confusion and coincidences aseverything goes wrong . . .

Very Entertaining!!
I read this play for a college comparative literature course and it wasgreat.Moliere is extremely easy to read and his work is very enjoyable. You can't help but be astonished by Arnolphe's views of women, but hisignorance gives you a good laugh.Enjoy!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (12)

I love Durant's perspective on history
This is the 8th volume of the Story of Civilization that I have read.Each book has been a joy to read and has been a great education for myself.I have discovered many great men in the pages of these books, and have used it as the basis for my reading list.This series is much more than a typical history with events and dates, but a history of culture, philosophy, science, and almost all other important fields of study.

The Age of Louis XIV covers the years 1648 - 1715, which is the same time Louis was king of France.The focus is mainly Europe, but does touch on the rest of the world.At this time France was in her zenith, and England was making strides toward its golden age.Spain was past its glory, and the Netherlands and Germany were significant forces.

Many great men graced this period; including great writers like Moliere, Milton, Swift, and Defoe; scientists such as Newton, Pascal, Descartes, Halley, and Huygens.The philosophers Hobbes, Locke, Spinoza, and Leibniz were in their prime during this time.It would have been a fascinating time to be alive with so many new ideas coming to the forefront.

It was also a time of wars and destruction.I'm always intrigued by how greed and pride cause so much suffering in the world.The impact of war on economies and people is graphically illustrated in this volume.

I highly recommend this volume, or this whole series to anyone interested in history and philosophy.This volume can easily be read as a standalone book if one wants to focus on this time period.I just love Durant's prose and views.His love of history is contagious and gives me a greater desire to learn more.What more could a good history book offer?

No Title
Almost the exact same thing can be said of this 721 page tome as can be said for Durant's "The Age of Faith".I enjoyed every page, never bored, but how much will I retain?I suspect not a lot.I find I agree quite well with Spinoza, at least as explained by Durant, as I have not actually read Spinoza.And I had not realized how badly Louis XIV almost devastated France due to all his wars.Moliere was here, Racine, Thomas Hobbes, Newton, a powerhouse of thought in all fields of knowledge.Superstition and ignorance begin to be broken, from 1648 to 1715.Also liked what Pascal had to say about the universe and man.And Cromwell - what a figure!Milton too, Peter the Great.Fabulous age. Fabulous book.

ABSOLUTELY CAPTIVATING
Will Durant continues his wonderful series with this volume covering and important era which is quite often overlooked by our educational system.Much of what we are today has it's origins during this era.The Durants bring history to like with their wonderful text and use of language.These volumes, this one included, read more like a novel than a dry and dusty book of forgetable facts.I hate to use the word "lyrical" is describing Durant's style, but it is certainly close.The expierence of reading this volume, along with the others has been a wonderful expierence, one I would have not wanted to miss.Recommend this one, quite highly as I do the others.

The Eighth Volume in The Story of Civilization!
In this, the eighth volume in the landmark acclaimed series, "The Story of Civilization, Dr. Will & Ariel Durant have recounted the history of Europe's great age of kings.

The reader will be treated to a masterly exposition of:France's King Louis XIV.The dawn of modern drama, letters, and philosophy from Moliere, Spinoza, Locke, Hobbes, Berkeley and others.King Charles II of England.Isaac Netwon.Russia's Peter The Great.The War of Spanish Succession.And much, much more including plates and maps.

Written to stand alone or within the series, the Durants have written a prose of smooth flowing narrative that is easy to read and understand.In short, this unparalleled work is for everyone, both professional and layperson.I rate this work at five stars.Well done!

Sunrise, Sunset!
Over the past year I have read extensively about the 17th century."The Age of Louis XIV" is the best book which I have found on the period.Volume VII of Will and Ariel Durant's multi-volume "Story of Civilization", this book documents more detail of the era than any others which I have read.

The book begins with sections on France and England.The next section is "The Periphery" dealing with Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, and Iberia.After the geographically oriented sections, the reader is treated to sections organized along intellectual topics, such as science, philosophy, and faith and reason, which contain chapters dealing with specific philosophers or scientists.The conclusion wraps it all up with the denouement of Louis XIV.

This book makes the 17th century understandable.The premier character of the era was Louis XIV, the Sun King of France.During his reign, the policies of he and his ministers established France's day in the sun.Absolute ruler of the most populous and powerful kingdom in Western Europe, Louis made France the center of Western Civilization.On these pages we learn about the Fronde, the revolt by the nobility at the rising of his Sun, from which Louis acquired his life long aversion to Paris,Louis' aggressive support of Catholicism, while at the same time maintaining illicit personal relationships, and his generous support for the arts.This era, rich in French literature and theatre, as represented in Moliere, is revealed.

The forces threatening to rend the Catholic Church further asunder, as well as the relationship between King and Pope, are dealt with in detail.I was surprised to learn that Louis exercised a power over the Church in France similar to that which Henry VIII had previously established over the Church in England.

England, meanwhile, endured Cromwell, The Stuart Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution, while spawning Milton, Dryden, Swift and other literary giants.

Interesting contrasts are illustrated.Whereas in France the monarchy was strengthened into absolutism, England was making hesitating steps toward democracy.Whereas Louis excluded much of the nobility from government and military service, essentially forcing them into the role of idle rich, the English nobility gradually gained power and responsibility for the governance of their country.We can see how these trends may have encouraged the resentment of the aristocrats on the part of the French peasantry, which may have contributed to the intensity of feeling during The Terror of the French Revolution.By contrast, the empowerment of the English nobility may have helped solidify the tradition of peaceful political maturation.

On the Periphery, Charles XII brought Sweden to the zenith of its international power, while Peter the great modernized Russia.Germany survived the onslaught of the Turks, while Italy and Iberia, the "Old Europe" of the day, slid through an era of decline.

Intellectually the era was one of giants.Many of the names with which we are familiar come alive as we read of Isaac Newton, Thomas Hobbes, John Lock, Spinoza, Leibniz and others.

The conclusion of the era was the sunset of the Sun King.Having exhausted his country with dynastic war, bled it with unequal taxation and incurred the enmity of the world, Louis negotiated a peace which left his kingdom a shattered hulk of its former greatness.

For anyone desiring an introduction to the history of the 17th century, this is a great place to start.It has me ready for other books in the Durants' "Story of Civilization". ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Columbus, Ohio, F. J. Heer printing co.; Publication date: 1907; Subjects: France; ... Read more

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A critical edition of "Le Misanthrope". The introduction examines the interlocking levels of comedy apparent both in the play's literary texture and in the original performance, and discusses the history of its reception, showing how it is constantly adapted to the values of changing times. ... Read more

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Jean Baptiste Poquelin who is better known by his stage name Moliere.He was a 17th century French author known for his comedy.After abandoning a law career Moliere began acting, directing and writing plays in Paris and the surrounding area.The scathing satire in his plays made him several important enemies.Shakespeare gave his characters complexity while Moliere used simplicity to produce his memorable characters. The Miser is a romantic comedy about an old man who interferes with the marriage of his children. ... Read more

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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Drama / General; Drama / American; ... Read more

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Widely hailed as the founder of the modern French comedy, and known to be a gifted actor,playwright, and patron of fellow actors, Molière was a towering presence in seventeenth-centuryFrance—and the scourge of its political andreligious Establishment.His biting satire,witty dialogue, and irreverent staging have made him a favorite with theatergoers for fourcenturies. This Norton Critical Edition ofMolière’s most controversial and mostoften-performed play is based on ConstanceCongdon’s acclaimed new verse translation. It is accompanied by explanatory annotations and nineillustrations of the seventeenth-centuryfarce.

“Backgrounds and Sources”draws readers’ attention to the real-lifecontroversy Molière faced following the openingof Tartuffe, which was immediatelybanned by the Church. Both sides of the argument surrounding Tartuffe are presented incontemporary documents translated and annotatedby Virginia Scott, among them Molière’s threepetitions to King Louis XIV, Pierre Roullé onthe monarchy, letters by Boileau and CharlesRobinet, and Hardouin de Péréfixe on the law.

Assessments of Tartuffe as a production are given in seminal reviews by Harold Clurman and John Peter. Constantin Stanislavskyand Louis Jovet discuss the challenges theyfaced in preparing for modern productions ofTartuffe.

From the wealth ofcritical commentary on Tartuffe both in the United States and in France, the editors have chosen nine interpretations focusing on thecentral issues of translation, religion, socialhistory, staging, and international adaptation.Contributors include Nancy Senior, Emanuel S.Chill, Roger W. Herzel, P. Munoz Simonds, Pamela Saur, William J. Beck, Mechele Leon, WilmaNewberry, and Cheryl Kennedy McFarren.

A Chronology of Molière’s life and work anda Chronology are included.

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Two plays in which the entertaining character of Sganarelle appears-in The School for Husbands as a guardian, and in Sganarelle, or The Imaginary Cuckold as a duped and jealous husband. Introductions by Richard Wilbur.
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Customer Reviews (2)

i luv this book
this book is pretty cool it definitly inspired the creation of another cuckold resource.I recommend this book[..].

great story
i greatly enjoyed this book.it was amusing and terribly funny.i could barely put it down.the characters were life-like and i found myself wrapped up in their twisted plot.i would recommend this book for anyone that wants a liesurely read. ... Read more

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TOME I : Les Précieuses ridicules - Sganarelle ou Le Cocu imaginaire - L'École des maris - Les Fâcheux - L'Étourdi - [Le] Dépit amoureux - L'École des femmes - La Critique de l'École des femmes - Remerciements au roi - Les Plaisirs de l'Île enchantée - La princesse d'Élide - L'Amour médecin - Le Misanthrope - Le Médecin malgré lui - Le Ballet des muses - Pastorale comique - Le Sicilien ou L'Amour peintre - Sonnet à La Mothe Le Vayer - Amphitryon - Le Mariage forcé - George Dandin.TOME II : L'Avare - La Gloire du Val de Grâce - Le Tartuffe - Monsieur de Pourceaugnac - Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme - Les Fourberies de Scapin - Psyché - Les Femmes savantes - Le Malade imaginaire - Don Garcie de Navarre - L'Impromptu de Versailles - Le Festin de pierre [Don Juan] - Mélicerte - Les Amants magnifiques - La Comtesse d'Escarbagnac - La Jalousie du barbouillé - Le Médecin volant. ... Read more

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In Three Volumes. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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This Book Is In French. ... Read more

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This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Volume: 25; Original Published by: The Columbia university press in 1910 in 298 pages; Subjects: English drama (Comedy); English drama; Drama / General; Drama / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh; Drama / Continental European; Literary Criticism / European / General; Literary Criticism / Drama; ... Read more