Fenelon's Treatise on the Education of Daughters - Translated from the French, and Adapted to English Readers

"Chaste and modest writings never alter the honour of any gentlewoman. For as the remembrance of infamous persons is much detested and hated by the Musesso is the glory and renown of the virtuous installed by them in eternal memory for ever." [10]The original French work was first published in 1688; and the earliest English translation appeared in 1707. This translation, which was by Dr. Hickes, I have never seen. In the year 1797, another [anonymous] English translation was printed at Hull, in a duodecimo volume. In this performance there is so close an adherence to the idiom of the French language, that almost every page abounds with gallicisms. It is not, however, entirely destitute of merit; but it appears, on the whole, to have been hastily executed for the purpose of ensuring a cheap and extensive sale. [11]The present translation is offered to the public, with a full conviction of its inadequacy to give a just idea of the beauty and force of the original. The author of "Telemaque" and "De l'Education des Filles" appears, on a comparison of these two performances, very unlike the same writer. In the former, his periods are flowing and luxuriant; in the latter, they are sententious and logical; and nearly as difficult to clothe in an English-dress as those of the philosophical Tacitus. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 47621
Author: Fénelon, François de Salignac de La Mothe-
Release Date: Dec 10, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Translator: Dibdin, Thomas Frognall, 1776-1847