The Moliere Encyclopedia

Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622 the French playwright Moli^D`ere became one of the most influential dramatists of the 17th century. His comedies shaped the development of theater in Europe inspired his contemporaries in England and left a lasting dramatic legacy after his death in 1673. Moli^D`re has also inspired a vast body of scholarship and recent work has dispelled many of the myths surrounding his career. This reference provides English-speaking readers with a current and comprehensive guide to his life and works.Hundreds of A-Z entries cover topics related to his life works and theatrical career including: Plays; Individual characters; Historical persons; Allusions; Influences; Cultural institutions; And much more. This scrupulously researched volume relies on verifiable facts giving scant attention to the romantic fiction surrounding the playwright. Many of the entries list works for further reading. A chronology outlines the chief events of Moli^D`re''s life and his contributions to the stage. The volume concludes with a bibliography.