Maxims (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

La Rochefoucauld

Softcover

ISBN 10: 014044095X ISBN 13: 9780140440959

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1981

Synopsis

The philosophy of La Rochefoucauld, which influenced French intellectuals as diverse as Voltaire and the Jansenists, is captured here in more than 600 penetrating and pithy aphorisms.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Stuart D. Warner and Stéphane Douard's handsome new edition of the 'Maximes' admirably succeeds in it two high purposes: it is a book beautifully organizesd for the maximum convenience of its readers that provides a translation - chaste, literal, and elegant - absolutely faithful tot he meaning of the great La Rochefoucauld. A spendid achievement in every way."

-Joseph Epstein
"A thorough edition and a superb translation of the most acute work in the French classical moralistic wisdom. The Introduction is brilliant. What La Rochefoucald denounced as the appetites of human pride is not so different indeed from what nowadays is called narcissism. His book expressed disillusion wih aristocratic individualistic values. But his resemblance with the 'demystifiers' of our times makes his 'Maximes' essential reading. A very remarkable book."

-Jean Starobinski
"La Rochefoucauld's sententious reflections on life, death and much of what passes in their compass are given shape in a masterly introduction that locates their author his relation to his moral and spiritual heritage and to a future that has become our modern environment. The thoughtful translation adds much to the merit of this valuable work."

-Joseph Cropsey

About the Author:

La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) was a French classical author who was one of the most active rebels of the Fronde before becoming the leading proponent of the maxime, a French literary form of epigram that expresses severe or contradictory facts with brevity. La Rochefoucauld published only two works, the M moires and the Maximes. Additionally, about 150 letters have been collected with 19 shorter pieces, now known as R flexions diverses. Leonard Tancock (1902-1986) was an eminent translator of French and a renowned scholar. He taught French at University College London and is best known for his translation of classic French literature, including works by mile Zola, Voltaire, and Guy de Maupassant.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1981
• ISBN 10: 014044095X
• ISBN 13: 9780140440959
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128