Molière

Easton Press Molière books

Two Plays (Tartuffe & The Would-Be Gentleman) - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 1980

Franklin Library Molière books

Seven Plays by Moliere - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1980
Seven Plays by Moliere - Collected Stories of the World's Greatest Writers - 1980
Comedies of Moliere - published in imitation leather - 1985

Comedies - Oxford Library of The World's Greatest Books - 1985

 

 

Molière biography

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, stands as one of the most influential playwrights and comic geniuses in the history of French literature. Born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France, Molière's life was marked by a deep passion for the theater, a sharp wit, and a keen observation of human folly. Raised in a bourgeois family with a background in the world of French court life, Molière received a solid education and initially pursued a career in law. However, his love for the theater proved irresistible, and he soon abandoned his legal studies to pursue acting and playwriting. In 1643, Molière founded the Illustre Théâtre with a group of fellow actors, marking the beginning of his illustrious career in the theater. Over the next two decades, he would go on to write and produce some of the most enduring works in French literature, earning him a permanent place in the canon of Western drama.

Molière's plays are characterized by their biting wit, sharp social commentary, and timeless humor. His keen observations of human behavior and societal norms allowed him to satirize the hypocrisy, vanity, and absurdity of French society with unparalleled insight and skill. Among Molière's most famous works are Tartuffe, a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and fanaticism; The Misanthrope, a comedy of manners that explores the pitfalls of honesty and integrity in a world of deceit; and The Imaginary Invalid, a farcical satire of the medical profession and the obsession with health.

Despite facing censorship and controversy throughout his career, Molière remained steadfast in his commitment to artistic expression and the power of theater to provoke thought and reflection. His plays continue to be performed and studied around the world, their themes and characters as relevant today as they were in Molière's time.

Tragically, Molière's life was cut short when he collapsed on stage while performing in his play The Imaginary Invalid on February 17, 1673. He died later that evening, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences centuries later. Molière's enduring contributions to French literature and theater have earned him a place among the greatest playwrights in history. His mastery of comedy, satire, and human insight remains unparalleled, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.