First published in 1946, this book contains selections from the writings of Jean de la Bruy?re in the original French.First published in 1946 as the second edition of a 1928 original, this book contains selections from the writings of Jean de la Bruy?re in the original French. Ashton prefaces the texts with a biographical portrait of the novelist, and provides vocabulary and notes to accompany each extract.First published in 1946 as the second edition of a 1928 original, this book contains selections from the writings of Jean de la Bruy?re in the original French. Ashton prefaces the texts with a biographical portrait of the novelist, and provides vocabulary and notes to accompany each extract.First published in 1946 as the second edition of a 1928 original, this book contains selections from the writings of Jean de la Bruy?re in the original French. Ashton prefaces the texts with a biographical portrait of the novelist, and provides vocabulary and notes to accompany each extract. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in French literature or in the history of French education.Preface; Introduction: 1. The author; 2. La Bruy?re and the society of his time; 3. The portrait; 4. Les charact?res - sources - style - influence; Bibliography; Text: 1. Du m?rite personnel; 2. Des femmes; 3. De la soci?t? et de la conversation; 4. Des biens de fortune; 5. De la ville; 6. De la cour; 7. Des grands; 8. Du souverain et de la R?publique; 9. De l'homme; 10. Des jugements; 11. De la mode; 12. De quelques usages; Notes; List of works quoted in the notes; Index of the opening words of each paragraph.