Jean Racine

Jean Racine

13 books
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About the Author

Jean Racine (1639-1699) was a preeminent French dramatist and one of the towering figures of 17th-century neoclassical literature, renowned for his mastery of tragedy that delved deeply into the passions of the human soul. Born in La Ferté-Milon, Racine was orphaned young and educated by Jansenist monks at Port-Royal, influences that imbued his works with a profound sense of moral tension and psychological depth. His career flourished at the court of Louis XIV, where he served as royal historiographer, but it was his theatrical output that secured his legacy, blending poetic elegance with unflinching explorations of love, jealousy, and fate. Though his plays like Phèdre exemplify his genius, Racine's inclusion in expansive anthologies such as The Complete Harvard Classics - ALL 71 Volumes underscores his enduring place in the canon of world literature, inspiring generations with his razor-sharp dialogue and tragic intensity.

Common genres
Anthology classic literature Classics Drama Fiction Fiction Collection History Literature Philosophy tragedy world literature
Writing style
elegant psychological tragic

Books by Jean Racine