Mémoires authentiques de Latude,
écrites par lui au donjon de Vincennes et à Charenton
"Mémoires authentiques de Latude" by Henri Masers de Latude is a historical memoir written in the late 18th century. The narrative centers around the life of Jean-Henri Masers de Latude, who was imprisoned and became a symbol of the injustices of arbitrary government. His story reflects his tumultuous experiences in confinement and his desperate efforts to gain his freedom. The opening of the memoir introduces Latude's early life, starting with his birth into a poor family in France. It chronicles his rise to become a surgeon in the military and sets the stage for his downfall as he becomes embroiled in a scandal involving the marquise de Pompadour. Latude's initial attempts to gain attention and favor through deceit and manipulation are highlighted, foreshadowing the dramatic events that lead to his incarceration in the Bastille. His character is vividly drawn as one full of ambition yet flawed, navigating a world rife with political intrigue. This section unveils the circumstances leading up to his arrest and the psychological turmoil he begins to experience, which frames the subsequent trials he faces.