Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #363300 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

wit, and exuberance - a charming read
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.