INTRODUCTION

The raison d'être of this text îs the recommendation of Taîne's Les Origines de la France Contemporaine, in selected portions, by the Modem Language Association of America.

Renan excepted, Taine has probably had the widest circle of disciples among the writers of France since the period of Romanticism. This is due to his probity and, chiefly, to his new, striking, and inspiring ideas which he had the gift to set forth in so brilliant and lucid a style. As the work of his riper years, the Origines enjoys the distinction of being not only of historical merit but aiso of high literary worth, besides exhibiting the results of profound psychological study. It is on thèse grounds that the text should prove of interest and value to American students, either as an introduction to French history, or as a stimulus to the finer appréciation of classical French literature. If the book proves a help in thèse directions it has not failed in its purpose.

The sélections presented hère comprise, in their order, the most interesting chapters treated by their author. For the proper understanding of the historical and political références and other facts or names mentioned in the text, the explanatory notes and the chronological table will be helpful. Grammatical peculiarities and idioms hâve been referred to in the vocabulary.

At this place I take the opportunity to thank my esteemed colleague, M. G. Reybaz, for his kind assistance in preparing the manuscript and for reading the proof sheets.

J. F. Louis Raschen.