Pierre Corneille, hailed as the founder of French tragedy, stood as one of the era's preeminent dramatists. His prolific career, spanning nearly four decades, shaped the trajectory of French tragic theater. Corneille's works are celebrated for their exploration of complex characters facing profound moral dilemmas. His enduring legacy lies in his masterful construction of dramatic tension and his profound insights into the human condition.
Richard Wilbur's translations bring to life two notable plays by Pierre Corneille. "Le Cid," a tragedy set in Seville, explores the themes of honor and the limitations of romantic love. In contrast, "The Liar" is a comedic farce set in France, focusing on love and misunderstandings, culminating in a joyful resolution. These translations serve as valuable resources for actors, students, and theater enthusiasts alike.
Set in seventh-century Milan, the play follows Pertarito, the exiled king believed dead after being usurped by Grimoaldo. Grimoaldo, who plans to marry Pertarito's sister Eduige, instead desires Rodelinda, Pertarito's supposed widow. The narrative unfolds with Pertarito's unexpected return, leading to a confrontation where Grimoaldo dismisses him as an impostor. Despite its initial poor reception, the play inspired Italian adaptations that served as libretti for notable operas, including Handel's famous version featuring Rodelinda.
This book is a collection of some of the finest works by the great French playwright, Pierre Corneille. It includes such masterpieces as Le Cid, Horace, and Cinna, and offers readers an opportunity to appreciate Corneille's genius for drama.
Avec Le Jugement Des Scavans (1760)
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It reflects a commitment to protecting and promoting important literature by providing affordable, high-quality modern editions that remain true to the original. This effort highlights the cultural value of the text, ensuring that it remains accessible to contemporary readers.
The collection features key works by a prominent French Neo-Classicist, showcasing plays such as Horace, The Cid, and Cinna. Lacy Lockert's translation is complemented by a critical introduction, enhancing the reader's understanding of these classic texts. This selection highlights the thematic depth and dramatic artistry of the playwright, making it a significant addition for those interested in French literature and drama.
This facsimile reprint may include imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia, and flawed pages, providing a glimpse into the original work's history and context. Readers can expect an authentic experience that reflects the book's past, despite the presence of these irregularities.
This classic work is recognized for its significance throughout human history. The modern republication by Alpha Editions ensures its preservation for current and future generations. Each volume has been reformatted and carefully typeset, providing a clear and readable text that differs from mere digitized copies of the original. This effort highlights the importance of maintaining literary heritage in an accessible format.