Studies in French-Classical Tragedy

by Lacy Lockert

Overview

This unique volume contains studies not only of Corneille’s and Racine’s tragedies but also of the best work of the lesser French-classical tragic dramatists, too generally neglected, to whom more than half of the book is devoted. Its author brings to his tasks of presentation, criticism, and appraisal a wider acquaintance, perhaps, with the drama of many lands and times than anyone who has previously written at any considerable length on the subject of French-classical tragedy. To the desirable perspective thus obtained, he joins an appreciation of good plays of every type, without prejudice either for or against any type of drama.

Numerous, often lengthy, quoted passages (with an English verse translation accompanying the French in every case) exemplify the achievement and exhibit the qualities of the dramas and dramatists discussed.

That portion of the author’s critical work in this field which has already appeared, as introductions in his volumes of translated plays, has been much appreciated, as witness the following brief excerpts from reviews of those books:

“The plays…are discussed with insight and enthusiasm.”—(London) Notes and Queries.

“Refreshingly original and yet free from specious pleading or naïve enthusiasm.”—Chattanooga Times.

“Thoughtful, discerning appraisals.”—Seventeenth Century News.

“An excellent critical introduction.”—The Library Journal.

“A judicious introduction.”—Arthur Knodel in The Personalist.

“The very best interpretative treatment of Corneille that has appeared.”—C. Maxwell Lancaster.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826510495
Publisher:	Vanderbilt University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1959
Pages:	529
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Lacy Lockert (1888-1974) was an assistant professor of English at Kenyon College from 1916-1925. After he retired, he focused on scholarship and translations.