Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Like many before me have written this is a magnificent example of micro history, but a very controversial book as well, because the story apart from the court documents has been constructed by means of historical fiction. Many claimed that historical fiction does not have any value for the actual research of history, sparking a big debate for and against.
An interesting look at a little slice of life, crime, & the courts in France in the mid-1500s. I think the author did good research based on what was written about the case at the time (including an account written by the trial judge of the case), as well as the small amount of general info that was available about the life of an average peasant during that period & in that location. From those info sources, she then tries to draw some lines & infer motivations & further details of the events. So, it's a bit of a mix in that the bulk of it is factual history, but some parts are filled in with the author's guesses as to what happened & why; I think that's important to keep in mind if you're reading this for historical value. I think it's fairly accessible even to non-historians, but it is semi-dry & textbook-y in the style of quite a few history narrations (i.e., it's not high literature). Recommended, especially if you like history &/or true crime.
(Note: Historian Robert Finlay criticized Zemon Davis' conclusions in her version of the Martin Guerre events & she wrote a rebuttal to his criticisms.)
(Note: Historian Robert Finlay criticized Zemon Davis' conclusions in her version of the Martin Guerre events & she wrote a rebuttal to his criticisms.)
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
I read this in a history class and it was fascinating. A great story and thought experiment. Fun to read about real, intriguing history.
This book came about after an American academic was asked to be the historical advisor on a French film. That film, ‘Le Retour de Martin Guerre’ did well and inspired the historian, Natalie Zemon Davis to write this book. I hadn’t heard of the case and, although I’ve read some chunks of Montaigne, I had not knowingly heard any of this story.
In the sixteenth century, Martin Guerre was married at a very young age to Bertrand de Rols. He was impotent and it was a source of humour and conflict until they finally had a son. Following a misunderstanding with his father Martin ran away and wasn’t seen for eight years. When he returned he was stockier, he had forgotten parts of his Basque heritage and he had smaller feet but he knew who everyone was, remembered details of their past and charmed them.
After a few years of happiness, Martin fell out with his uncle Pierre. The uncle tried to have him murdered and then claimed he was an imposter. The case went to the regional court and then, when it passed sentence against Martin, went to appeal in Toulouse. This court was about to rule that Martin was who he said he was when the real Martin returned, a one legged man, having lost it in a war. The fake Martin was hanged the rest lived… happily ever after?
It’s a fascinating story and it really brings a light on the slipperiness of identity in an age before photography and consistent records. It’s hard to know how many people believed that fake-Martin was the real thing and how many people merely found it easier to do so. Bertrande certainly would not have been fooled by the imposter though it was legally in her favour to pretend she had. What deal did the two strike? How did the imposter fool so many people? What brought the real Martin into the picture after so long?
These questions are not exactly answered in this book as it is a historical work and is willing to only state definite answers with definite records, however it does play with some suppositions. I felt the need for a good story and historical accuracy were very carefully balances, bringing out the drama as much as possible without sacrificing the integrity.
This is a very tight and enjoyable book about a really intriguing historical oddity. It reminded me a little of the story of Psalmanazar, who managed to convince English society that he was Formosan for a time, even if he looked utterly European. The same principals were in play, the central hoaxers were charming speakers with incredible memories who could talk there way out of situations and play a part that could not be wholly disproved for a while, even if they were doubted. A great little book and recommended.
In the sixteenth century, Martin Guerre was married at a very young age to Bertrand de Rols. He was impotent and it was a source of humour and conflict until they finally had a son. Following a misunderstanding with his father Martin ran away and wasn’t seen for eight years. When he returned he was stockier, he had forgotten parts of his Basque heritage and he had smaller feet but he knew who everyone was, remembered details of their past and charmed them.
After a few years of happiness, Martin fell out with his uncle Pierre. The uncle tried to have him murdered and then claimed he was an imposter. The case went to the regional court and then, when it passed sentence against Martin, went to appeal in Toulouse. This court was about to rule that Martin was who he said he was when the real Martin returned, a one legged man, having lost it in a war. The fake Martin was hanged the rest lived… happily ever after?
It’s a fascinating story and it really brings a light on the slipperiness of identity in an age before photography and consistent records. It’s hard to know how many people believed that fake-Martin was the real thing and how many people merely found it easier to do so. Bertrande certainly would not have been fooled by the imposter though it was legally in her favour to pretend she had. What deal did the two strike? How did the imposter fool so many people? What brought the real Martin into the picture after so long?
These questions are not exactly answered in this book as it is a historical work and is willing to only state definite answers with definite records, however it does play with some suppositions. I felt the need for a good story and historical accuracy were very carefully balances, bringing out the drama as much as possible without sacrificing the integrity.
This is a very tight and enjoyable book about a really intriguing historical oddity. It reminded me a little of the story of Psalmanazar, who managed to convince English society that he was Formosan for a time, even if he looked utterly European. The same principals were in play, the central hoaxers were charming speakers with incredible memories who could talk there way out of situations and play a part that could not be wholly disproved for a while, even if they were doubted. A great little book and recommended.
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced