The Complete Plays of Jean Racine

The Complete Plays of Jean Racine, Volume 1, presents a significant contribution to the field of French drama. This volume features Bajazet, a profound tragedy translated into English by Geoffrey Alan Argent. Argent utilizes rhymed heroic couplets to adapt Racine's original alexandrines into English iambic pentameters, maintaining the urgency and strength of the verse. This scholarly edition includes extensive notes and commentary to clarify complex references and provide deep insights into the text.

Set within the twisting passageways of the Sultan's palace in Istanbul, Bajazet explores the moral ambiguity of its four central characters. The plot follows Bajazet, Atalide, Roxane, and Akhmet as they navigate a dangerous imbroglio without a clear ethical framework. As a key work in this collection of translations into English, the play examines characters driven by passion and conflicting loyalties. This volume offers a meticulous look at one of Racine's most complex and neglected dramatic works.