Often called the "Father of French Comedy;" Moliegrave;re (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin; 1622ndash;1673) was a master at exposing the foibles and complexities of humanity in plays notable for their dramatic construction; varied and diverse humor; and subtlety of psychological observation. This convenient dual-language volume contains the original French texts and English translations of two of Moliegrave;res most praised and popular comedies: Tartuffe and The Bourgeois Gentleman. These timeless theatrical works by one of Frances greatest and most influential playwrights can be appreciated not only by students of French language and literature but by any aficionado of classic comedy.Tartuffe; a 1664 verse comedy with serious overtones; concerns a scoundrel who impersonates a holy man in order to acquire his gullible hosts property and wife. The prose farce The Bourgeois Gentleman; an instant success at its 1670 debut; lampoons the hypocrisy of 17th-century Parisian society with a central character who attempts to adopt the superficial manners; accomplishments; and speech associated with the nobility. Both plays abound in humor; the quips of saucy servants; and a host of satirical plot devices.For this edition; Stanley Appelbaum has provided an informative introduction to the playwright and the plays; and excellent literal English translations on facing pages; offering students an ideal opportunity both to refine their French-language skills and to enjoy Moliegrave;re in his own words.
#1148509 in eBooks 2013-10-16 2013-10-16File Name: B00EWOLD92
Review
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. Origami FlowersBy MartyIm enjoying this book very much. I always like the DVD lessons that Mr. LaFosse includes with many of his books; they are such a help. The flowers are new (to me at least) except for the ubiquitous lily -- why even include that one? -- Its everywhere; although it is always lovely. My only gripe; really; is with the paper thats included. Its ordinary and actually not-all-that-good kami. Im pretty sure thats not the paper Mr. L. used in demonstrating the models on the DVD. I dont expect him to send along the great papers he and Mr. Alexander produce at their studio; but jeepers; if youre going to hype the fact that paper is included; give us a break and make an attempt to include something a little bit special. And a bit crisper. The best models Ive made from this book use paper other than what was included with the book.All in all this is a fun book; lots of neat flowers. Good presentation and helpful hints on the DVD (be sure to look at that as there is lots of help not included in the book). I almost want to give 4 1/2 stars; but I was put off by the mediocre paper when I expected better from Michael LaFosse. He is a good teacher. And the book is a good deal. And Im happy to have it.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. DisapppointingBy Ron SSomewhat disappointing. The book shows some lovely flowers. I found the written/pictorial instructions very hard to follow (I am a novice at origami so thats probably partly on me). I did use the book to find video instructions on line. The papers do not seem to be good quality at all; much inferior to other papers I have bought online. Most of the papers are 2" square; very small to do the kind of folding required for the flowers; especially with paper that does not fold well. The DVD did not work on my computer...will try on the TV. For the price; I found it lacking. I saw a lot of positive reviews before I purchased it; so maybe part of the fault is with me. Thats why I gave it 3 starts instead of 2. I do feel I wasted my money. The book gave me some good ideas and had me searching for easier instructions to follow so not a complete waste.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Make Your Own FlowersBy mtot7359Great opportunity to make your own flowers; instead of silk flowers. Would also make a nice gift or get-well bouquet. Good instructions; really nice paper; very clean design and presentation in a storage box.