The book by the famous French historian and writer recreates a colorful panorama of theatrical life in France in the 17th century, from the first farcical actors of the Burgundy Hotel to the great artists of the classical theater, and the author does not neglect amusing and piquant details. To the history of the great Parisian actors, J. Mongredien adds an even more picturesque narrative about the lives of traveling comedians, whom he follows throughout France and Europe. J. Mongredien (1901–1980) devoted all his literary work to the study of the history of theater in the 17th century. Among his works are “The Private Life of Louis XIV”, “Literary Life of the 17th Century”, “The Fouquet Affair”.