VOLTAIRE François Marie Arouet de Oedipe, tragédie.

Bengesco, 2.

First edition of Voltaire’s first book.

A tragedy written in alexandrines, the play, adapted from Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, is an anti-clerical version of the Oedipus myth, but one in which the hero’s fall from grace remains an enigma. Voltaire did, however, add an intrigue: Philoctetes’ love for Jocasta, but reduced the importance of the incest theme.

The play was first performed on 18 November 1718 at the Comédie Française and was a resounding success, with 45 performances. In April 1719, taking advantage of the play’s popularity, the Comédie italienne staged a parody. Oedipe remained in the Comédie-Française repertoire until 1852.

« …La chaleur avec laquelle elle fut reçue marqua pour Voltaire le début de son succès dans sa carrière théâtrale. Il constitue, le plus grand succès dramatique du XVIIIe siècle en France ». ( Jean-Pierre Vernant et Pierre Vidal-Naquet).

Back cover rubbed.