Publisher's Synopsis
Moliere: His Life and His Works is a comprehensive biography of the life and works of the famous French playwright, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name, Moliere. Written by Brander Matthews, an American writer and professor of literature, the book provides a detailed account of Moliere's early life, his career as an actor and playwright, and his legacy in French literature.The book begins with Moliere's childhood and education, including his early interest in theater and his decision to pursue a career in acting. It then follows his rise to fame as a playwright, detailing his most famous plays, such as Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, and The School for Wives. The book also explores Moliere's personal life, including his relationships with women and his struggles with illness.Throughout the book, Matthews provides historical context for Moliere's work, discussing the social and political climate of 17th century France and how it influenced Moliere's writing. He also analyzes Moliere's style and themes, highlighting his use of satire and his commentary on society.Overall, Moliere: His Life and His Works is a comprehensive and engaging biography that offers a deep understanding of one of France's most celebrated playwrights.1910. A biography of Moliere, whose real name was Jean Baptiste Poquelin. He composed 12 of the most durable and penetratingly satirical full-length comedies of all time, some in rhyming verse, some in prose, as well as six shorter farces and comedies. He was also the leading French comic actor, stage director, and dramatic theoretician of the 17th century. Matthews writes in his Prefatory Note that: In this biography I have striven specifically for three things: first, to set forth the facts of Moliere's life, stripped of all the legends which compass it about; second, to trace his development as a dramatist, making it plain how cautiously he advanced in his art and how slowly he reached the full expansion of his power; and thirdly, to show his intimate relation to the time in which he lived, the glittering beginning of the reign of Louis XIV. I have endeavored always to center attention on Moliere himself, the melancholy humorist who was companionable and friendly, and whose career was cut short before his genius had completely revealed itself. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
