The School for Wives and the Learned Ladies, by Molière: Two Comedies in an Acclaimed Translation.

By Moliere; Richard Wilbur (trans)

Book Overview

The School for Wives concerns an insecure man who contrives to show the world how to rig an infallible alliance by marrying the perfect bride; The Learned Ladies centers on the domestic calamities wrought by a domineering woman upon her husband, children, and household. "Wilbur...makes Moli re into as great an English verse playwright as he was a French one" (John Simon, New York). Introductions by Richard Wilbur.

In these two masterpieces of 17th-century theater, Moli re's satirical genius takes aim at the follies of love, marriage, and intellectual pride.

Richard Wilbur Translation: Experience Moli re's genius through the celebrated, sparkling English verse that makes these classic plays feel vital and contemporary.A Foolproof Marriage Scheme: In The School for Wives, watch the elaborate plans of a man terrified of being cuckolded unravel when his sheltered, ignorant ward discovers the power of love.Satire of Pretension: In The Learned Ladies, a household is turned upside down by a wife's ambition to create a high-minded salon, sacrificing her family's happiness for intellectual glory.17th-Century French Comedy: Explore two of the finest examples of French classic drama, filled with sharp wit, memorable characters, and timeless social commentary.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0156795027
• ISBN13: 9780156795029
• Release Date: November 1991
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.9" x 5.2"