Iphigenia, Phaedra and Athaliah (Penguin Classics)

Racine, Jean Baptiste; Cairncross, John; Watling, E. F.

ISBN 10: 0140441220 / ISBN 13: 9780140441222

Published by Penguin Classics, 1964

All pages and cover are intact. Dust jacket included if applicable, though it may be missing on hardcover editions. Spine and cover may show minor signs of wear including scuff marks, curls or bends to corners as well as cosmetic blemishes including stickers. Pages may contain limited notes or highlighting. "From the library of" labels may be present. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set packaging may be missing. Bundled media e.g., CDs, DVDs, access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # COLV.0140441220.G

Synopsis:

Strongly influenced by Classical drama, Jean Racine (1639-99) broke away from the grandiose theatricality of baroque drama to create works of intense psychological realism, with characters manipulated by cruel and vengeful gods. Iphigenia depicts a princess's absolute submission to her father's will, despite his determination to sacrifice her to gain divine favour before going to war. Described by Voltaire as 'the masterpiece of the human mind', Phaedra shows a woman's struggle to overcome her overwhelming passion for her stepson - an obsession that brings destruction to a noble family. And Athaliah portrays a ruthless pagan queen, who defies Jehovah in her desperate attempt to keep the throne of Jerusalem from its legitimate heir.

About the Author:

Jean Racine was born in 1639 at La Ferté Milon, sixty miles east of Paris. In 1677, when he had ten plays to his credit and was high in favor with both the court and the public, he abandoned the theatre, which was regarded as far from respectable by the Church, and joined the Establishment as Royal Historiographer. It was only after a silence of twelve years that he wrote his last two plays (both on religious subjects), Esther and Athaliah. He died in 1699.


John Cairncross also translated The Cid; Cinna ; The Theatrical Illusion (0140443126) for Penguin Classics.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Iphigenia, Phaedra and Athaliah (Penguin ...
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Publication Date: 1964
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: good