One of the world's greatest correspondents, Madame de Sévigné (1626-96) paints an extraordinarily vivid picture of France at the time of Louis XIV, in eloquent letters written throughout her life to family and friends. A significant figure in French society and literary circles, whose close friends included Madame de La Fayette and La Rochefoucauld, she reflected on both significant historical events and personal issues, and in this selection of the most significant letters, spanning almost fifty years, she is by turns humorous and melancholic, profound and superficial. Whether describing the new plays of Racine and Molière, speculating on court scandals - including the intrigues of the King's mistresses - or relating her own family concerns, Madame de Sévigné provides throughout an intriguing portrait of the lost age of Le Roi Soleil.
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Madame de Sévigné (1626-1696). Widowed at 26, Sevigne spent most of her time in Paris, where she became a popular member of the salons and the court, considered as a especially witty conversationalist. In early 1671, Francoise and her infant daughter left for Provence, and the letters that would make up the largest bulk of Sevigne's correspondence (68% of her extant letters) began. Francoise Sevigne wrote to her daughter whenever they were apart---at least weekly, sometimes more frequently---giving her court news (valuable to the Grignans, far from the center of power), Parisian gossip, advice (usually unwanted), and always expressions of her love.
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With the possible exception of Voltaire, Mme de Sevigne is the greatest letter-writer in French literature. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
With the possible exception of Voltaire, Mme de Sevigne is the greatest letter-writer in French literature. Read the first page
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a well-chosen selection of letters written by Mme. de Sévigné, mostly to her daughter, none of whose responses exist. In her letters, she describes court life with wit, exuberance and extreme theatricality, often through her citing of dramatists such as Racine and Molière. Her immense love and concern for her daughter seems almost as though she treats her as a novelistic heroine, incessantly drmanding that she replies with the speed and entertainment she would like. Indeed, Sévigné transforms literary convention, writing often in a style which we might assume to be more suited to a love letter. This collection of her letters is not only for the enthusiast of French literature; far from it -they can and ought to be enjoyed by a wide-ranging audience so that they can experience this delightful and at times mesmerising wit and ingenuity.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The letters are indeed illuminating but would profit from more footnotes. As one who studied european history only from 1789 onwards, the references - especially to nicknames or multiple names - are not sufficient. You have to work hard to keep up with the 'affairs' and events discussed in the letters. Not really a relaxing bedtime read unless you just like to get the 'gist' of the period.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.7 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
32 of 32 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Window to a Lost World
5 Aug 2001
By bibliomane01
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The letters of the divine Marie have been celebrated for more than three centuries, from her time to ours. It is impossible not to be drawn in to the lost world of le Roi Soleil when you have such a charming companion as your guide. There is an immediacy and sensitivity to her writing that establishes a bond with the reader as palpable today as it was in the 17th century. The Marquise knew everyone and saw practically everything of note in the France of her time, or knew somebody who had seen it. She was a fixture at court, the companion of la Rochefoucauld and Madame La Fayette, saw the plays of Racine and Corneille, and heard the music of Lully. You can read about the trial of Foucquet, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes and witness the terrible death of the odious Marquise de Brinvilliers. This Penguin Classics edition by the great Leonard Tancock features wonderful translations but could have done with a few more explanatory notes. And it should have been longer!
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Letters from a fascinating woman
27 Jun 2001
By M. A Newman
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
One of the great defining moments of 17th century French literature was when Madame de Sevigne's daughter left Paris with her new husband for a life in the provinces. Always the doting mother, Madame de Sevigne began one of the great correspondences in history. The de Sevigne's were important enough to be close to the center of events during the reign of Louis XIV. This status allowed Madame de Sevigne to provide an invaluable record of the days events. But this is not the only reason to read these fascinating letters. Madame de Sevigne was an astute observer of the contemporary scene. She was also great friends with many of the leading cultural figures. These letters show not only the political machinations (Madame de Seigne was once courted by Louis XIV's finance minister Fouquet), but the very vibrant literary and theatrical scene. Anyone wishing to know what day-to-day life was like for the well-to-do in 17th century France should look no further than this book.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must for French History Buffs
14 Jan 2009
By Xoe Li Lu
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Thank God for Madame de Sevigne! Her letters are sublime! Her voluminous correspondence provides exquisit insight to life in the court of Louis XIV, complete with hilarious asides and fastidious detail. To view history from her perspective is incredibly entertaining. The only flaw here - Tancock's collection of Sevigne's letters is incomplete, and we are at his mercy regarding content. He admits that selecting which of Madame's 1400+ extant letters would appear in his book was extremely difficult, however I would have prefered to have been able to make those editing decisions myself. I will next be looking for a complete collection of Madame's letters to sift through.
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3.7 out of 5 stars
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