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Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Moliere, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Moliere began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the Hotel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Moliere and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Moliere would refine his skills as both an actor and a writer. Eventually his reputation would increase allowing him to return to Paris where he gained the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orleans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. This collection of Moliere’s plays includes some of his most notable compositions. In “The Misanthrope”, a comedy of errors which satirizes the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society, the author draws upon his bourgeoisie upbringing in 17th century France. “Tartuffe” is the story of Orgon, the head of his family, who has fallen under the influence of Tartuffe, an imposter who pretends to be pious and to speak with divine authority. These plays along with “The School for Wives”, “The School for Wives Criticized”, and “The Impromptu at Versailles” exhibit the dramatist at his comedic best. This edition includes an introduction by Henry Carrington Lancaster and a biographical afterword.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Moliere, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Moliere began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the Hotel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Moliere and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Moliere would refine his skills as both an actor and a writer. Eventually his reputation would increase allowing him to return to Paris where he gained the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orleans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. In this volume one of Moliere’s most popular works is presented, one in which the author draws upon his bourgeoisie upbringing in 17th century France. “The Misanthrope” is a comedy of errors which satirizes the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society. The story is concerned with the relationship between Alceste, a French gentleman who laments the superficiality of society life, and Celimene, a woman who epitomizes the courtly manners that Alceste despises. This edition is translated by Henri Van Laun, includes an introduction by Eleanor F. Jourdain, and a biographical afterword.

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.