Call, M: The Would-Be Author

This book is the first full-length study to examine Moliere's evolving (and at times contradictory) authorial strategies, as evidenced by his portrayal of authors and publication within the plays and by his own interactions with the seventeenth-century Parisian publishing industry. Historians of the book have described the time period the conicides with Moliere's theatrical activity as centrally important to the development of authors' rights and to the professionalization of the literary field. A seventeenth-century author, however, was not so much born as negotiated through often acrimonious relations in a world of new and dizzying possiblitiies. The learning cuvee was at times steep and unpleasant, as Moliere discovered whn his first Parisian play was stolen by a rogue publisher. Nevertheless, the dramatist proved to be a quick learner; from his first published paly in 1660 until his death in 1673, Moliere changed from a reluctant and victimized author to an innovator (or, according to his enemies, even a swindler) who aggressively secured the rights to his plays, stealing them back when necessary.