Books and Characters, French & English

A witty, thought‑provoking essay collection that examines the long‑standing rivalry between French and English literary traditions. The author opens with a vivid anecdote about Ingres’s monumental “Apotheosis of Homer,” noting how Shakespeare was barely a footnote on its canvas, and then flips the question: how would a British painter treat Racine? From there, the book launches into a lively dialogue about national taste, cultural pride, and the ways critics on each side of the Channel have celebrated—or dismissed—their own and each other’s great dramatists.

Through a series of reprinted papers and fresh commentary, the work explores how scholars like John Bailey and M. Lemaître argue fiercely yet never truly engage with one another’s perspectives. It reveals the paradox of mutual admiration mixed with stubborn prejudice, inviting listeners to reconsider what makes a writer “great” and how geography shapes our literary judgments. The tone is erudite yet accessible, perfect for anyone curious about the cultural crossroads of Racine, Shakespeare, and the broader canon.