Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732-1799) was a watch-maker, inventor, musician, politician, fugitive, spy, publisher, arms-dealer, and revolutionary (both French and American). He was best known, however, for his theatrical works, especially the three Figaro plays. Beaumarchais is well remembered for his essential support for the American Revolution. Louis XVI, who did not want to break openly with England, allowed him to found a commercial enterprise, Roderigue Hortalez and Co., supported by the French and Spanish crowns, whose real purpose was to supply the American rebels with weapons, munitions, clothes, and provisions. Shortly after Voltaire"s death in 1778, he set out to publish Voltaire"s complete works, many of which were banned in France. While the venture proved a financial failure, Beaumarchais was instrumental in preserving many of Voltaire"s later works which otherwise might have been lost. His Figaro plays are indicative of the change in social attitudes before,...