Œdipe
"The true Voltaire is already in Oedipus" (J. M. Moureaux).
"Oedipus is Voltaire's first play. It is the first work in which Arouet takes the name Voltaire." (Bengesco).
First edition; the superb copy in contemporary morocco with the arms of François VIII, Duke of La Rochefoucauld (1663-1728).
183 x 110 mm.
Voltaire. Oedipus, tragedy. By Monsieur de Voltaire.
Paris, P. Ribou, Pierre Huet, Jean Mazuel and Antoine-Urbain Coustelier, 1719.
Followed by letters written by the author.
Rare first edition of Voltaire's first printed book.
Bengesco, 2 ; Beuchot, 601 ; The Printed Works of Voltaire, no. 1260.
This first play by Voltaire would be a real triumph. The author was only 24 years old at the time. After the play are 6 letters written by the author, which include criticism of Sophocles' Oedipus, that of Corneille, & his own.
"Oedipus is Voltaire's first play. Premiering on November 18, 1718, it is the first work in which Arouet takes the name Voltaire. Quinaut-Dufresne played Oedipus, and Mlle Desmares played Jocasta. The play enjoyed forty-five performances in its opening run." (Bengesco).
Oedipus marks the beginning of the author's success in the theater career.
Voltaire had started the tragedy Oedipus at the age of eighteen. Accepted in January 1717, the play was not performed until after Voltaire’s stay in the Bastille, followed by his exile in Chatenay. Performed on November 18, 1718, Oedipus was so successful that, which was rare at the time, it had forty-five consecutive performances and remained in the repertory for a long time.
"The writer who has something to say begins saying it from the very beginning. The real Voltaire is already present in Oedipus." The contemporary public understood this well, ensuring that the play was a true triumph." (J. M. Moureaux).
