Charles Perrault : memoirs of my life
Abstract
It is impossible to know whether Perrault intended the Memoirs to be published. There are early references to "your uncles," identifying Perrault's children as his immediate audience; however, he offered nothing about his own parents, and very little of the anecdotal information about his upbringing or childhood experiences that would be natural to include in a family history. Instead, Perrault focused upon his career, offering observations on the various situations he had encountered and the
Individuals with whom he had dealt. In this sense, the Memoirs are more of a selfapology; they offer Perrault's side of the story, in defense against how he had been depicted by his enemies, and finally giving release to many of the thoughts that diplomacy had prevented him from expressing at the time of the actual events .
Table of Contents
A note on the text -- The early years -- Colbert and the academies -- The Louvre -- Art, patronage, and power -- Public service, private struggle.