Includes the plays The Hypochondriac, George Dandin and Scapin Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, dit Molière (1622-1673) was originally intended for a career at court. His legal training was to stand him in good stead as his plays often aroused the anger and hatred of many prominent social groups including the medical profession and the clergy. Molière was continually surrounded by controversy and his works were often banned. This volume contains new versions of Molière's plays by distinguished translators Ranjit Bolt and Gerard Murphy.The Hypochondriac was Molière's last play. He himself took the title role in the first production on the fourth performance was seized by a coughing fit and died, ending a brilliant yet turbulent career thathad lasted for over thirty years.With a foreword by Nicholas Dromgoole.