<p><span>In this new book, the first of its kind in English, Simon Trowbridge traces the rich and sometimes turbulent history of France''s national theatre company, the Com¿e-Fran¿se, from its foundation in 1680 to the present day. The Com¿e-Fran¿se has survived the vanity of kings and emperors. It has survived revolutions and wars. During all of its long history it has remained a true company, a society of actors. There have been good times and inevitable dips, but today this most legendary of theatres is also among Europe''s most dynamic and most compelling.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span><span>?</span>High quality production photographs, along with other images, illustrate the text and help to convey the style and quality of the Com¿e''s recent work.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span>Also available in hardback.</span></p>