Beaumarchais and the Theatre

InBeaumarchais and the Theatre, William D. Howarth recounts the colorful and remarkable life of Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799), author ofLe Mariage de Figaro. Framing the life of Beaumarchais within the broad historical context of pre-revolutionary France, Howarth considers the momentous events of the mid-to-late eighteenth century which shaped both political and theatrical history. Beaumarchais and the Theatreincludes analyses of Beaumarchais' plays which discuss their critical receptions, their influence on contemporary drama and their legacy. In addition, Howarth provides analyses of sketches and fragments only recently re-discovered, as well as a discussion of the operatic adaptations ofLe Marriage de FigaroandLe Barbier de Sevilleby Mozart and Rossini respectively. Beaumarchais and the Theatreis acomprehensive, authoritative study of one of the most significant playwrights to emerge from eighteenth-century France. It will prove an invaluable contribution to the field of theater history.

Frontispiece
Acknowledgements
Notes to the Reader
Introduction	p. 1
The Making of a Dramatist
Watchmaker, Musician, Courtier	p. 9
Pamphleteer and Public Figure	p. 16
Diplomat and Secret Agent	p. 28
Beaumarchais and the Revolution	p. 37
The Context of a Career
Theatres and Theatregoing in the Ancien Regime	p. 53
Dramatic Writing in the Eighteenth Century	p. 70
The Theatre and Authority in the Eighteenth Century	p. 87
The Plays
Beaumarchais and the Parades	p. 105
Other Fragments	p. 118
Eugenie	p. 125
Les Deux Amis	p. 133
Le Barbier De Seville	p. 139
La Mariage De Figaro	p. 157
Tarare	p. 196
La Mere Coupable	p. 205
Conclusion	p. 221
Notes	p. 226
Appendix: Translations of passages quoted	p. 242
Select Bibliography	p. 267
Index	p. 269
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Beaumarchais and the Theatre

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