About the Author

La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) was a French classical author who was one of the most active rebels of the Fronde before becoming the leading proponent of the maxime, a French literary form of epigram that expresses severe or contradictory facts with brevity. La Rochefoucauld published only two works, the M moires and the Maximes. Additionally, about 150 letters have been collected with 19 shorter pieces, now known as R flexions diverses. Leonard Tancock (1902-1986) was an eminent translator of French and a renowned scholar. He taught French at University College London and is best known for his translation of classic French literature, including works by mile Zola, Voltaire, and Guy de Maupassant.