The Princess of Cleves

Madame de La Fayette (1634-1693), born Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne, was an eminent French writer renowned for her contributions to literary classicism and her pioneering role in the development of the historical novel. Her upbringing in an aristocratic milieu coupled with an extensive education, including tutelage under Gilles Ménage, provided a rich cultural environment that nourished her...