With a calloused and lustful heart, Don Juan indulges his sexual appetites with boundless enthusiasm. Heedless of warnings both earthly and otherwise, history's most notorious romantic devil rushes headlong toward retribution in Moli re's sparkling comedy.

Richard Nelson's supple translation accommodates this transposition comfortably, without infidelity to the original.
Julius Novick, The Village Voice

Richard Nelson's translation...seems an improvement on previous drab, very English, English versions.
James Lardner, The Washington Post

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Molière, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Molière began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the Hôtel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Molière and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Molière 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 Orléans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. One of Molière's most controversial plays, Tartuffe first appeared in 1664. It 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. Because of its satirical presentation of religion Tartuffe greatly offended religious authorities of the time causing its censor by the King. Eventually after two revisions the play was allowed to be publically performed at the Palais-Royal theatre were it was highly successful. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the translation of Curtis Hidden Page, and includes an introduction by John E. Matzke.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Molière, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Molière began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the Hôtel de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Molière and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Molière 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 Orléans, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. In this volume one of Molière'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 Célimène, a woman who epitomizes the courtly manners that Alceste despises. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is translated by Henri Van Laun, and includes an introduction by Eleanor F. Jourdain.

When two misers return from abroad, their sons find their romances with two mysterious women in peril. They enlist the services of a wily servant to swindle, hoodwink, and bamboozle their way to a happy ending. Molière's most famous farce marries his signature wit and verve with the traditions of commedia dell'arte.

Molière's genius for rhythm, laughs, and fast action are the stuff of pure theatre.

Georges Mongrédien

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Monsieur Jourdain is a middle class merchant who foolishly believes he can break into the upper echelon of society. Desperate to elevate himself and his station, it seems there is no humiliation too great as he tries to better himself via tutelage from a variety of instructors who are more than happy to relieve him of his money. He also finds himself an easy mark for a penniless nobleman who uses him to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Monsieur Jourdain's long-suffering wife and daughter find themselves caught up in one of his latest schemes, involving a poorly planned affair, several sets of unhappy lovers and a full orchestra and ballet company invading the household. It will fall to the clever servants to find sense in the madness and set things right.