Journey to Mauritius (Lost & Found Classic Travel Writing) - Softcover

Saint-Pierre, Bernardin De; Wilson, Jason

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566564476 ISBN 13: 9781566564472

Publisher: Interlink Pub Group Inc, 2002

Synopsis

Paul et Virginie (1787), an adolescent love story set in an exotic Indian Ocean island, was one of the literary sensations of the age. It was a huge critical and commercial success in France and abroad, a precursor of the Romantic movement. The novel's author, Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, had previously spent 28 months in the French colony of Ile de France (now Mauritius) in 1778-80. This extended exposure to the island not only inspired Paul et Virginie, but also led to one of the period's fullest and most fascinating accounts of a colonial society and its daily life.

First published in 1773, Voyage'a L'Isle de France is now available in this newly translated and annotated edition -- Journey to Mauritius. Mixing indignation with a lyrical appreciation of the island's beauty, Bernardin provides us with one of the earliest examples of a walking guide as he details Mauritius' sights and landscapes. An introduction sets this travel account in its historical context, discussing Bernardin's life and ideas.

About this title

About the Author:

A friend and disciple of Rousseau, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre (1737-1814) was a naturalist and influential social critic as well as a successful author. A military engineer by training, he was instrumental in popularizing pastoral fiction with Paul et Virginie. Jason Wilson, Professor of Latin American literature at University College, London, was born in Mauritius and is the author of books on Alexander von Humboldt and Octavio Paz, and Buenos Aires: A Cultural and Literary Companion (Interlink Books, 2000).

Review:

"The most remarkable parts of the book are Bernadin's descriptions of the island's slaves, brought from Madagascar to work the sugar-cane fields. Bernadin was one of the first to denounce slavery having witnessed it...a fascinating record of eighteenth century colonial life and an inspiring example of independent thought." The Tablet

About this edition

• Publisher: Interlink Pub Group Inc
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1566564476
• ISBN 13: 9781566564472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 290