Six Restoration and French Neoclassic Plays: Phedre, The Miser, Tartuffe, All for Love, The Country Wife, Love for Love : Book Review

David Thomas's book, "Six Restoration and French Neoclassic Plays," takes readers on a captivating journey through six influential plays from the Restoration period and French Neoclassicism. By exploring the works of esteemed playwrights such as William Wycherley, George Etherege, and Molière, the author offers readers in-depth analyses and profound insights into the theatrical significance of these plays.

The book commences with a thorough examination of William Wycherley's scandalous comedy, "The Country Wife." Thomas delves into the social and cultural context surrounding this play, shedding light on its controversial themes and the reactions it provoked. Through his analysis, readers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the play's satirical critique of 17th century London society.

Another remarkable play discussed in the book is George Etherege's "The Man of Mode." Thomas explores the witty and sophisticated nature of this comedy, effectively capturing the essence of the Restoration period. The author delves into the play's clever characterization and its reflection of the values of the era, resulting in a comprehensive analysis of Etherege's work.

David Thomas also devotes a section to Molière's classic French Neoclassical play, "Tartuffe." Here, the author explores the themes of hypocrisy and religious satire that permeate the play, as well as the ingenious use of comedic devices to convey social criticism. Through his analysis, Thomas highlights the enduring relevance and impact of "Tartuffe" in both its original context and contemporary theater.

Additionally, the author provides insightful discussions on other influential works, including Dryden's "All for Love," Racine's "Phèdre," and Corneille's "The Cid." Each play receives a thorough analysis, taking into account its historical, cultural, and theatrical significance.

What are readers saying?

The book "Six Restoration and French Neoclassic Plays" by David Thomas has garnered a range of opinions from its readers. On the whole, the book has been commended for its inclusion of a diverse collection of plays from the Restoration and French Neoclassical periods. Readers have appreciated the opportunity to explore different works from this era, which is a key highlight of the book.

However, some reviewers have expressed difficulty in understanding the language and writing style employed in the plays. The older style of writing requires effort to fully comprehend the dialogue and nuances, which may deter readers who prefer more modern language and storytelling. This aspect of the book seems to be a point of contention among readers.

Additionally, there have been comments regarding the lack of contextual information and background provided for each play. Many readers feel that the inclusion of notes or introductions would have been beneficial in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the plays. Without this additional information, some readers have found it challenging to fully appreciate and engage with the works presented.

Opinions on the editing and formatting of the book are varied. While some readers have encountered typos and errors that impacted their reading experience, others found the book to be well-organized and easy to navigate. This mixed feedback suggests that there may have been room for improvement in the editing and formatting process.

In conclusion, "Six Restoration and French Neoclassic Plays" offers a valuable collection of classic plays from the Restoration and French Neoclassical periods. While the language and lack of context may present challenges for some readers, the book provides an opportunity for those interested in exploring works from that era. It is worth noting that improvements could have been made in terms of editing and formatting, as some readers encountered errors. Nonetheless, the book remains a significant selection for enthusiasts of classic plays.

FrenchNeoclassicPlays RestorationDrama ClassicLiterature