Jean Racine: Life and Legend by John Sayer, Peter Lang 2006

Jean Racine: Life and Legend by John Sayer\nPublished by Peter Lang in 2006\nISBN: 9783039109258\nCondition: Very Good\nDescription:\nSoftcover, possible author's dedication (unverified) on title page. Very slight wear to cover, pages bright, unmarked, looks unread. This first biography of Racine in over half a century for an English-language readership also traces the impact of Racine over three centuries in England as well as France. The plays and their reception are reviewed, using contextual approaches as part of each phase of Racine's life story, with excerpts and quotations translated. Racine's upbringing and work as poet and historiographer are related to the France of Louis XIV, to audiences and to advancement for this 'man from nowhere', with parallels in Britain and elsewhere. Changing attitudes to Racine are traced across the centuries, across literary movements and on stage, including recent productions. The book provides insights into the specialist field of Racine .