Le Théâtre François

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This book, in three volumes, by Samuel Chappuzeau is the main source of information on French Theatre in the 17th Century.

Its full title is Le Théâtre françois divisé en trois Livres, où il est traité I. De L’Usage de la Comédie. II. Des Auteurs qui soutiennent le Theatre. III. De la Conduite des Comédiens, Lyon, Michel Mayer, 1674

It contains descriptions of many aspects of the theatre, down even to trivial facts such as the serving of Spanish wine.

(A full scan of the original edition is available at Gallica)

New editions were printed in Brussels in 1867, and by Georges Monval in Paris in 1875.

A critical edition is currently in preparation from a manuscript copy of 1673 which was apparently dedicated and given by Samuel to "La troupe du Roy", Molière's troup.