Molière Books

"One of the most accomplished American poets of his generation, Richard Wilbur (1921-2017) was also a prolific translator of French and Russian literature. His verse translations of Molïre's plays are especially admired by readers and are still performed today in theaters around the world. Wilbur, the critic John Simon once wrote, makes Molïre into as great an English verse playwright as he was a French one. Now, for the first time, all ten of Wilbur's unsurpassed translations of Molïre's plays are brought together in two-volume Library of America edition, fulfilling the poet's vision for the translations. This first volume comprises Molïre's delightful early farces The Bungler, Lover's Quarrels, and The Imaginary Cuckhold, or Sganarelle; the comedies The School for Husbands and The School for Wives, about the efforts of middle-aged men to control their young wives or fiancés, which so delighted female theater goers in Moliere's seventeenth-century France; and Don Juan, Molïre's retelling of the Don Juan story, performed only briefly in the playwright's lifetime before pious censure forced it to close and not part of the repertoire of the Comédie-Fraṅaise until 1847. This volume includes the original introductions by Richard Wilbur and an introduction by Adam Gopnik on the exquisite art of Wilbur's translations."--Provided by publisher

For the 400th anniversary of Moliere's birth, Richard Wilbur's unsurpassed translations of Molière's plays--themselves towering achievements in English verse--are brought together by Library of America in a two-volume edition One of the most accomplished American poets of his generation, Richard Wilbur (1921-2017) was also a prolific translator of French and Russian literature. His verse translations of Molière's plays are especially admired by readers and are still performed today in theaters around the world. "Wilbur," the critic John Simon once wrote, "makes Molière into as great an English verse playwright as he was a French one." Now, for the first time, all ten of Wilbur's unsurpassed translations of Molière's plays are brought together in two-volume Library of America edition, fulfilling the poet's vision for the translations. The second volume includes the elusive masterpiece, The Misanthrope, often said to occupy the same space in comedy as Shakespeare's Hamlet does in tragedy; the fantastic farce Amphitryon, about how Jupiter and Mercury commandeer the identities of two mortals ; Tartuffe, Molière's biting satire of religious hypocrisy; and The Learned Ladies, like Tarfuffe, a drama of a household turned suddenly upside down. This volume includes the original introductions by Richard Wilbur and a foreword by Adam Gopnik on the exquisite art of Wilbur's translations.

Of all the French dramatists, it is Molière (1622–73) who had the greatest sense of fun and he who, single-handed, transformed earthbound comedy into art. The Misanthrope, a drama of true love unrequited, is his knowledge masterpiece. As the portrait of a man doomed to a social wilderness because he cannot bow to convention nor compromise his principles, it is a comedy taken it the limit where laughter touches on grief. Also in this volume are Tartuffe, the first great comedy of human obsession (in this case, religion); The Imaginary Invalid, a joyful and absurd burlesque on the doctor-patient relationship; A Doctor in Spite of Himself, Molière's most famous farce; and The Sicilian, a comédie-ballet.

Set in a vibrant garden, this comedy showcases Eraste's humorous struggles as he pursues the flirtatious Orphise amidst a parade of eccentric characters. Molière cleverly intertwines sparkling verse and lively dance, poking fun at societal quirks while maintaining a courtly charm. As Eraste navigates interruptions from a self-proclaimed genius, a verbose scholar, and a scheming financier, he must balance his romantic aspirations with the absurdities surrounding him. Ultimately, love prevails, complemented by whimsical dance interludes and a playful fight scene.

This collection comprises seven of Moliere's plays that continue to have political and moral relevance today. Six of the plays are revised versions of the original translations by the late George Graveley and the seventh, "George Dandin", is a new translation by Ian Maclean.

A unique collection of Moliere's four greatest verse comedies in new translation: The Misanthrope, Tartuffe, The School for Wives and The Clever Women, plus two short plays, The School for Wives Criticized and The Impromptu at Versailles.

The would be gentleman / The scoundrel Scapin / The miser / Love's the best doctor / Don Juan or the statue at the feast

The Ridiculous Precieuses * The School for Husbands * The School for Wives * The Critique of the School for Wives * The Versailles Impromptu * Tartuffe * Don Juan This memorable collection gathers the plays of the great social satirist and playwright Molière, representing the many facets of his genius and offering a superb introduction to the comic inventiveness, richness of prose, and insight that make up Molière’s enduring legacy to theater, literature, and the world. Translated and with an Introduction by Donald M. Frame, a Foreword by Virginia Scott, and a New Afterword

Molière, a master of French comedic drama, honed his craft while performing with traveling troupes before gaining recognition in Paris. His controversial play "Tartuffe," which premiered in 1664, critiques religious hypocrisy through the story of Orgon, who is deceived by the false piety of Tartuffe. Initially censored due to its satirical take on religion, the play underwent revisions before achieving success at the Palais-Royal theatre. This edition features Curtis Hidden Page's translation and an introduction by John E. Matzke.

The story follows Monsieur Jourdain, a middle-class merchant who naively aspires to join the upper class, leading him to endure various humiliations while seeking guidance from unscrupulous instructors. His ambition makes him a target for a broke nobleman who exploits him for a lavish lifestyle. Caught in his schemes, Jourdain's wife and daughter navigate chaotic love affairs and a disruptive orchestra and ballet in their home. Ultimately, it is the resourceful servants who must restore order amid the comedic turmoil.