Agrippa D’Aubigné’s remarkable epic poem, Les Tragiques, was composed in France in the 1570s, and first published in 1616 in Geneva. It sets the recent sufferings of the Protestants in the French Wars of Religion within the overarching context of God’s eternal plan for his chosen faithful. Recording the bitter story of the defeated party, the poet movingly combines depictions of a devastated country, vivid tableaux of the worst atrocities of the Wars, and satirical attacks on leading political and religious figures. As he narrates a story which he believes must not be forgotten, d`Aubigné develops an innovative style that deliberately challenges conventions. This is a work of pure baroque, a pearl of irregular shape, making a unique appeal to both the senses and the intellect.

The complete work has never previously been translated into English. Valerie Worth-Stylianou’s translation of the entire text is accompanied by her illuminating introduction and detailed critical notes. This English version will interest scholars and students of early modern political, social and religious history and of comparative literatures, as well as all readers looking to understand how literature seeks to mediate the pain of partisan struggles.

Translated, annotated, and with an introduction by Valerie Worth-Stylianou

French Renaissance Texts in Translation volume 2