A Trip to the Country

In introducing their translation of Voyage de Campagne (A Trip to the Country, 1699) by Henriette Julie de Castelnau (1668-1716), Gerthner (French, Oklahoma State U.) and Stedman (French, U. of North Carolina at Charlotte) provide a biographical sketch and guide to her writings. They argue that the novel's plot, challenging Louis the XIV's monopoly on aristocratic culture in late 17th century France, helped pave the way for French Enlightenment critiques of social institutions. Includes a selected bibliography and portrait of Comtesse de Murat. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)