Author
Gaston Maugras
1850-1927
Gaston Maugras (1850-1927) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Gaston Maugras
Dernières Années de la Cour de Lunéville Mme de Boufflers, ses enfants et ses amis
"Dernières Années de la Cour de Lunéville" by Gaston Maugras is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the life and society surrounding Madame de Boufflers at the court of Lunéville from 1750 to 1766, capturing the essence of the court's culture and notable figures. The narrative focuses on themes of personal relationships, social gatherings, and the emotional balance between joy and sadness, highlighting characters such as Stanislas, the heartbroken king, and the spirited Madame de Boufflers. The opening of the book sets the stage in 1750, detailing the somber mood at the court after the tragic events of 1749, which included the death of Madame du Châtelet and the departure of Voltaire. Stanislas, the aging king, isolates himself in grief, accompanied only by his pets, until the efforts of courtiers, particularly Madame de Boufflers, lead him back to societal engagement through festivities and entertainment. Amidst the vibrant carnival atmosphere, characters such as the witty and dedicated Madame de Boufflers emerge as central figures, working to revive the royal spirits and restore the lively culture of the court, which had been overshadowed by tragedy.
La Cour de Lunéville au XVIIIe siècle Les marquises de Boufflers et du Châtelet, Voltaire, Devau, Saint-Lambert, etc.
"La Cour de Lunéville au XVIIIe siècle" by Gaston Maugras is a historical account likely written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the court life of Lorraine during the reign of Duke Léopold and the complexities of his relationships, particularly focusing on the prominent figures such as the Marquise de Boufflers and Madame du Châtelet. The narrative promises an engaging exploration of the social customs, political intrigues, and romantic entanglements of the court in this vibrant era. The opening of the book sets the stage by depicting the joyous atmosphere of Lunéville in 1698 as Léopold returns to reclaim his ancestral duchy. Celebrations abound, highlighting the hope for a brighter future after decades of oppression and woe. Maugras introduces key characters, particularly Léopold, whose youthful charm endears him to the populace, and foreshadows his tumultuous relationships, notably with Madame de Craon, who becomes a significant influence in his life. This segment captures the essence of the court's dynamics and the shifting fortunes of both the land and its leaders, setting a rich context for the developments to come.
Les comédiens hors la loi
"Les comédiens hors la loi" by Gaston Maugras is a historical account written in the late 19th century. It investigates why actors were long treated as socially and religiously suspect, tracing their status from sacred ritual origins through Roman infamy, Christian condemnation, medieval liturgy, and modern rehabilitation. Drawing on councils, laws, and vivid episodes, it clarifies how prejudice formed, persisted, and waned. This study will appeal to readers interested in theater history, church–state relations, and shifting cultural norms. The opening of the work frames the subject with the 1884 Saint‑Roch mass honoring Corneille, contrasted with the punishment of a Paris curé for a similar service in 1763, and cites a lively press debate to show how misunderstood the Church’s treatment of actors remains. The author sets out his plan to survey actors’ legal and religious status from Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, listing key sources. He first shows the stage arising from religious rites—honored in Greece—then becoming infamous at Rome as performances passed to slaves and to mass entertainments of the circus, mimes, and pantomimes, despite their continuing pagan-sacral character and imperial favor. He then explains the early Church’s rationale for condemning spectacles and denying sacraments to performers unless they quit the stage, notes emperors’ mixed measures (including Justinian’s permission for converts to leave the profession), and describes the decline of theaters in the West under barbarian invasions while they endured in the East. Finally, the narrative sketches the medieval revival of drama within churches—liturgical plays for major feasts alongside the unruly Feast of Fools—before the excerpt breaks off.
La Marquise de Boufflers et son fils, le chevalier de Boufflers
"La Marquise de Boufflers et son fils, le chevalier de Boufflers" by Gaston Maugras is a historical narrative written in the early 20th century. The book centers on the lives of Marie-Françoise-Catherine de Beauvau, marquise de Boufflers, and her son, who lived during a time of significant sociopolitical change in Lorraine following the death of Stanislas. It offers insights into their relationships, societal roles, and the cultural environment of the 18th century, particularly highlighting the decline of the Lorraine court. At the start of the narrative, the author reflects on the impact of Stanislas's death on Lorraine, illustrating the shift from a vibrant court to a dull provincial existence. Key characters, such as the marquise de Boufflers, her son, and courtiers like the comte de Tressan and maréchal de Bercheny, are depicted as they navigate their changed lives. The marquise faces emotional turmoil over loss, while others leave for Paris, seeking new opportunities and friendships in the wake of a beloved monarch's demise. This opening portion sets the stage for exploring themes of identity, loss, and social dynamics within a historical context.