The Beggar and the Professor: A Sixteenth-Century Family Saga
Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie's book The Beggar and the Professor: A Sixteenth-Century Family Saga is an absorbing tale of a family which spans an entire centuries and covers three generations. The history of this family is the history of reformation and renaissance in Europe and through the memoirs, letters and other documents, the lives of three main characters are developed brilliantly to give an insight into life in that age. These three characters namely Thomas, Sr., Felix, and Thomas Platter, Jr., have had many biographical tales associated with them over the last several centuries. Scholars and historians have exploited the autobiographical material available on the subjects but none of these attempts have been as successful as the one made by Ladurie. The story of these characters is so important because it best illustrates the struggles
There are some weaknesses, which obviously affect the quality of excellent research done by the author, but on the whole it's a great book. Another interesting feature is the use of maps, photos, and sketches that lend the book a more realistic feel. faced by them and the material and social upward mobility they gained. Such books are rare and come once in a blue moon. It is also important to observe that not all readers would be unsympathetic to Reformation and might find certain comments in bad taste. While some may find these interesting, others would definitely be offended by the sheer lack of objectivity. The author uses vast body of literature and this is clear from the extensive bibliography available in the book. Sixteenth century Europe was an interesting amalgamation of changing times. The preface could have helped in explaining a lot about methodology employed. By now his religious convictions no longer blinded him or confined him to an ideological dungeon" (149) and most references are grounded in ".
Common topics in this essay:
Thomas Sr's,
Platter Jr,
Family Saga,
Religion Ladurie,
John Calvin,
Roy Ladurie's,
reformation renaissance,
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