MOLIERE Jean-Baptiste Poquelin dit Le Bourgeois Gentil-Homme, comédie-ballet, donné par le roi à toute sa cour dans le chasteau de Chambort, au mois d’octobre 1670.

Tchemerzine-Scheler, IV, 813 ; Lacroix, 201 ; Guibert, 468:1 ; Brunet, III, 1807; La Vallière, Ballets, p. 84; Malkin, Dancing by the Book, 107.20.

First edition, very rare of Molière’s and Lully’s most famous collaboration.

‘It is extremely rare and preceded the edition of the complete text’ (see Tchemerzine).

At the request of Louis XIV, the play, which featured Turks and scenes inspired by the Orient, was first performed on 14 October 1670 at Chambord. The choreography was arranged by Beauchamp, the music by Lully, and Vigarani and de Gissey created the scenery.

‘Le Bourgeois-Gentilhomme was always in favour with the king, and long after Molière’s death the king would have the comedy performed to his music… The extraordinary variety of scenes and the possibilities offered by the ballets in this astonishing play have definitively placed it among the finest achievements of the theatre’ (see Guibert).

“The most famous and the most influential of the comédie-ballets created by Molière and Lully in collaboration” (Malkin).

A very rare edition, of which we have not been able to trace any copies offered for public sale for over 100 years.

‘This first edition is extremely rare and remains highly sought after by bibliophiles specializing in 17th century ballets’ (see Guibert).

A very good copy.