French Introspectives
From Montaigne to Andre Gide

Originally published in 1937, this book studies French autobiography for examples of introspection.

P. Mansell Jones (Author)

9781107505711, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 May 2015

128 pages
19.2 x 13 x 0.8 cm, 0.2 kg

Originally published in 1937, this book contains a short series of relatively independent studies, each seeking 'examples of introspection in a literature which is reputed to be rich with them', namely French autobiography. Mansell Jones examines the work of authors such as Montaigne, Maine de Biran and Sénancour to find examples of 'the disinterested investigation of a mind by itself' and to suggest a balance between 'inner and outer cultivation'. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in French literature and the history of autobiography.

1. The limits of literary introspection
2. Montaigne's self-portraiture and the definition of the essays
3. Judgment and relation in the essays of Montaigne
4. The inner life of a philosopher: Maine de Biran's Journal intime
5. Sénancour's Obermann
6. Some romantic poets
7. The failure of Amiel
8. The paradox of literary introspection
9. In search of self.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]