The Gamester

Overlooked for 300 years, Freyda Thomas’ new translation of Jean-François Regnard’s The Gamester blends sophisticated comic style with heroic form for a sharp, pointed critique of a world not far removed from our own. The story revolves around young Valere and beautiful Angelique, who are joyously in love, with on tiny hitch. He must choose between his love for her and his obsessive desire for gambling. She’ll have none of it; he can’t live without it.