Pierre de Beaumarchais Books
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a French playwright whose early support for American independence and later involvement in the French Revolution speak to his revolutionary spirit. Though originally a watchmaker by trade, he rose through French society to become an influential court figure. He amassed considerable wealth through various business and diplomatic endeavors, even as costly court battles jeopardized his reputation. His most enduring legacy, however, lies in his theatrical works, particularly those featuring the character of Figaro.
A French courtier, secret agent, libertine and adventurer, Beaumarchais (1732-99) was also author of two sparkling plays about the scoundrelly valet Figaro triumphant successes that were used as the basis of operas by Mozart and Rossini. A highly engaging comedy of intrigue, The Barber of Seville portrays the resourceful Figaro foiling a jealous old man's attempts to keep his beautiful ward from her lover. And The Marriage of Figaro condemned by Louis XVI for its daring satire of nobility and privilege depicts a master and servant set in opposition by their desire for the same woman. With characteristic lightness of touch, Beaumarchais created an audacious farce of disguise and mistaken identity that balances wit, frivolity and seriousness in equal measure
Le Mariage de Figaro
- 285 pages
- 10 hours of reading
From the Classiques Larousse series. Upon its original release in 1784 this book was an unsurpassed triumph. Figaro, a rebellious manservant who intends to get married to Suzanne, outdares his master Almaviva, who tries for his part by every possible means to win the favors of Suzanne. This light comedy raised indignation but also enthusiasm.