The text of Phèdre which we have used is that contained in the Théâtre complet of Racine, edited by J. Morel and A. Viala in the Classiques Gamier series (Paris, 1980). Readers using other editions will find very little variation in the text, but a good deal in the punctuation, which is largely a matter of editorial choice.

The task of composition has been shared as follows: Dr Jondorf has been responsible for the sections on Structure and Language, Dr James for the rest. We have, however, discussed and revised the whole work together.

Thanks for some helpful suggestions are due to the reader for the Cambridge University Press. Mrs Heather Henchie of the Cambridge University French Department is especially thanked for processing Dr James's manuscript.