Journey From Paris To The Limousin Letters to Madame De La Fontaine (1663)

by Fontaine, Jean de La; Berger, Robert

• ISBN13: 9780838641415
• ISBN10: 0838641415
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-02-01
• Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

Summary

The French poet Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95), renowned for his Fables, wrote six letters to his wife describing his travels from Paris to Limoges in 1663. The letters contain a wealth of observations on the changing landscape, towns, and works of art and architecture, particularly in the Loire valley and at the (destroyed) Chateau of Richelieu. Never intended for publication, the letters provide candid glimpses into the great poet's mind and character; no other writings by him are as personal in nature.
The Journey is here translated for the first time into English, The translator/editor has provided an introduction that traces La Fontaine's early career; explains the reason for the trip to Limoges; discusses his sketches of people he encounters on the way; and analyzes the poet's reactions to works of art and architecture, his personal comments to his wife, and his epistolary style, with its engaging good humor and candor. The detailed Notes contribute to the scholarly usefulness of this edition. The book should appeal to all lovers of La Fontaine and to those interested in the Grand Siecle and the era of Louis XIV.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 7
Introduction	p. 11
The Letters
Letter I	p. 28
Letter II	p. 31
Letter III	p. 37
Letter IV	p. 43
Letter V	p. 49
Letter VI	p. 62
Notes	p. 69
Bibliography	p. 88
Index	p. 90
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.