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Paul Scarron

Monsieur Scarron

The Comic Romance Paperback – October 1, 2012

by Paul Scarron (Author), Jacques Houis (Translator)

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The only English edition in print of one of the most important works of French literature Paul Scarron's masterpiece recounts the adventures of a troupe of provincial itinerant actors, skillfully weaving comic anecdotes of their amorous exploits and the central love story between Léandre and his beloved Angélique into a rich and realistic tapestry depicting rural France. This milestone of picaresque literature spawned countless imitations in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was championed in the 19th century by eminent literary figures such as Théophile Gautier and Gérard de Nerval. Fully annotated, this edition is ideal for students.

Print length

384 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Oneworld Classics
Publication date

October 1, 2012
Dimensions

5.1 x 0.82 x 7.84 inches
ISBN-10

1847492207
ISBN-13

978-1847492203
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jacques Houis's lively new translation conveys the energy and vitality of Scarron's original . . . a welcome revival of a comic classic." - TLS

"Paul Scarron is the Homer of the school of buffoonery." - Théophile Gautier

About the Author

Paul Scarron (1610–1660) was a French poet, dramatist, and novelist. Afflicted by a mysterious paralysis of his legs, he died without being able to finish the third and final part of his masterpiece, The Comic Romance. Jacques Houis teaches at The Brearley School in New York City.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oneworld Classics; 1st edition (October 1, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1847492207
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1847492203
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.1 x 0.82 x 7.84 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,196,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,284 in French Literature (Books)
- #77,120 in Classic Literature & Fiction

Customer Reviews:
4.6 6 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

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Presbyrev

Like A Fine Wine - for 267 pages

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2013

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Scarron's classic, "The Comic Romance," should not be missed. I laughed out loud repeatedly; but it's more than just a delight. This picaresque novel makes life in 17th century France come alive. It's hard to believe that this is the first English translation in over 300 years! Jacques Houis' rendering is superb, never drawing attention to itself. His "extra material" (included as an afterward) is one of the best introductions to a work of literature I've read in a long time -- I would probably not be the only one to appreciate having read it before delving into the novel itself. Congratulations to Alma Classics for bringing this literary masterpiece back to life for English readers.

6 people found this helpful

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Johann

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2016

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A+

One person found this helpful

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Absolutely wonderful

Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2021

The Comic Romance is set around Le Mans, in rural France in the 17th century in the time of the plague. It is about a travelling troupe of actors and their adventures on the road.

It begins with a troupe of actors: a young man with the stage name Destiny, an old man called Grudge, and a woman called Mademoiselle Cave with her daughter Angélique. Mademoiselle Star (Destiny’s sister), Olive, and the ‘grimy and hairy’ fingerpuppet Ragotin join them.

Described as ‘picaresque literature,’ it includes roguish heroes in comic episodes. Their adventures include abduction, crimes, misfortunes, cancelled performances, brawlings (fisticuffs), and revelry, with the most comical episodes dedicated to little Ragotin.

It is also the love story between Léandre (Destiny’s personal assistant) and Angélique. The kind of love that begins at the inn. Léandre says, ‘I saw Mademoiselle Angélique and fell in love with her … I did far more. I was bold enough to tell her I loved her, and she didn’t take offence.’

It includes chapter sub-headings such as, Chapter V Which Does Not Contain Much, Chapter XI Which Contains What You Shall See if You Bother to Read It, Chapter XIII Longer than the Proceding One, and Part Two Chapter XI One of the Least Entertaining in this Book.

This weighty book of comic adventures of the caravan of actors is a delight to read. In the vain of Don Quixote and Shakespeare’s The Tempest it is unique and influential for its vivid imagery, comic interludes, and turn of phrase. It’s absolutely wonderful!

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Edward Yarborough

A little-known comic gem

Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2014

Even though I'm a great admirer of Henry Fielding's novels I'd never even heard of Paul Scarron and his book until recently, but when I finally read it I saw from the very first page that Fielding is greatly in his debt. Anyone who enjoys Fielding will like Scarron, and you'll also be interested to see what a very major source of ideas Scarron clearly was for Fielding.

3 people found this helpful

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Robert Campion

I wish I liked it more

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2013

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This is an english translation of a 17th century french picaresque novel. It describes the adventures of a troupe of travelling players. Author Paul Scarron knew this world from personal involvement in it.

Now, this is the type of book I would normally enjoy. so I am surprised taht I didn't enjoy this one more. There are no great heights or depths in the story, nor even the promise of it. In the end, it failed to hold me, and I didn't take it up again.

One day I'll give it another go

2 people found this helpful

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