The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère
Jean de La Bruyère published Les Caractères in 1688 and enlarged it through eight further editions before his death in 1696. In sixteen chapters, from works of the mind to freethinkers, by way of women, society and conversation, the court, the great, the sovereign and fashion, it sets maxims and reflections beside sharp portraits of recognizable types and, readers were sure, recognizable people at the court of Louis XIV. The manner is dry, exact and often bitter, and the book was at once a scandal and a success. Henri Van Laun's translation of 1885, with his introduction, biographical memoir and notes, was issued in a limited edition illustrated with etchings. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère
The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère by Jean de La Bruyère can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère online?
Yes. The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère in the public domain?
Yes. The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère by Jean de La Bruyère is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Henri Van Laun. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère?
About 10 h 48 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère?
The "Characters" of Jean de La Bruyère by Jean de La Bruyère is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
