Selected Letters (Penguin Classics) [Mass Market Paperback]

Madame de Sevigne (Author), Leonard Tancock (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Penguin Classics | Publication Date: July 31, 2007

One of the world's greatest correspondents, Madame de Sevigne (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 Moliere, speculating on court scandals including the intrigues of the King's mistresses or relating her own family concerns, Madame de Sevigne provides throughout an intriguing portrait of the lost age of Le Roi Soleil.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

About the Author

Madame de Sevigne (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.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (July 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014044405X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140444056
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #389,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Window to a Lost World, August 5, 2001

By 

bibliomane01 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Selected Letters (Penguin Classics) (Mass Market Paperback)

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, June 26, 2001

By 

M. A Newman (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Selected Letters (Penguin Classics) (Mass Market 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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for French History Buffs, January 13, 2009

By 

Xoe Li Lu "xoelilu" (Sea Girt, New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Selected Letters (Penguin Classics) (Mass Market 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.