The misanthrope and other plays / translated by John Wood and David Coward ; with an introduction and notes by David Coward.
Material type: TextLanguage: English Original language: French Series: Penguin classicsPublication details: London, England ; New York, N.Y., USA : Penguin Books, 2000.Description: xxix, 317 pages ; 20 cmContent type:- text
- unmediated
- volume
- 014044730X
- 9780140447309
- Works. Selections. English. 2000
- 842/.4 21
- PQ1825.E5 W583 2000
Includes bibliographical references (pages xxviii-xxix).
Such foolish affected ladies -- Tartuffe -- The misanthrope -- The doctor despite himself -- The would-be gentleman -- Those learned ladies.
This unique volume brings together four of Moliere's greatest verse comedies covering the best years of his prolific writing career. Actor, director, and playwright, Moliere (1622-73) was one of the finest and most influential French dramatists, adept at portraying human foibles and puncturing pomposity. The School for Wives was his first great success; Tartuffe, condemned and banned for five years, his most controversial play. The Misanthrope is his acknowledged masterpiece, and The Clever Women his last, and perhaps best-constructed, verse piece. In addition this collection includes a spirited attack on his enemies and a defense of his theater, in the form of two sparkling short plays, The School for Wives Criticized and The Impromptu at Versailles.