Fenelon's Telemachus (1699) is, alongside Bossuet's Politics, the most important work of political theory of the grand siecle in France. It was also the most widely read work of the time, influencing Montesquieu and Rousseau in its attempt to combine monarchism with republican virtues. Fenelon tells of the moral and political education of Telemachus, young son of Ulysses, by his tutor Mentor (the goddess Minerva in disguise). Telemachus visits every corner of the Mediterranean world and learns patience, courage, modesty and simplicity, the qualities he will need when he succeeds Ulysses as King of Ithaca. It is the story of the transformation of an egoistic young man into a model ruler, and is meant (among other things) as a commentary on the bellicosity and luxuriousness of Louis XIV. The present English edition follows closely that of Tobias Smollett published in 1776.

The most important work of 18th-century French political theory, and a commentary on Louis XIV's rule.

Book Information
ISBN 9780521456623
Author Frangois de Fenelon
Format Paperback
Page Count 380
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 214mm * 138mm * 19mm