Paul and Virginia by Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, Fiction, Literary - Softcover

Saint-Pierre, Bernardin De

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809594633 ISBN 13: 9780809594634

Publisher: Wildside Press, 2004

Synopsis

The story is set on the island of Mauritius under French rule, then named Īle de France. In introducing to the Public the present edition of this well known and affecting Tale, -- the chef d'oeuvre of its gifted author, the Publishers take occasion to say, that it affords them no little gratification, to apprise the numerous admirers of "Paul and Virginia," that the entire work of St. Pierre is now presented to them. All the previous editions have been disfigured by interpolations, and mutilated by numerous omissions and alterations, which have had the effect of reducing it from the rank of a Philosophical Tale, to the level of a mere story for children. Of the merits of "Paul and Virginia," it is hardly necessary to utter a word; it tells its own story eloquently and impressively, and in a language simple, natural and true, it touches the common heart of the world. There are but few works that have obtained a greater degree of popularity, none are more deserving it; and the Publishers cannot therefore refrain from expressing a hope that their efforts in thus giving a faithful transcript of the work, -- an acknowledged classic by the European world, -- may be, in some degree, instrumental in awakening here, at home, a taste for those higher works of Fancy, which, while they seek to elevate and strengthen the understanding, instruct and purify the heart. It is in this character that the Tale of "Paul and Virginia" ranks pre-eminent.

About this title

About the Author:

Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (also called Bernardin de St. Pierre) (1737 - 1814) was a French writer and botanist. He is best known for his 1788 novel Paul et Virginie, now largely forgotten, but in the 19th century a very popular children's book. Saint-Pierre was an avid advocate and practitioner of vegetarianism and although he was a devout Christian he was also heavily influenced by Enlightenment-era intellectuals like Voltaire and his mentor Rousseau.

Language Notes:

Text: English, French (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Wildside Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0809594633
• ISBN 13: 9780809594634
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128