Author
Sophie Ségur
1799-1874
Sophie Ségur (1799-1874) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Sophie Ségur
Old French Fairy Tales
"Old French Fairy Tales" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a collection of enchanting stories likely written in the 19th century. The book features a variety of fairy tales set in whimsical landscapes, showcasing moral lessons through magical characters and adventures. Through its narratives, readers can expect to encounter themes of innocence, family, and the triumph of good over evil, with notable characters such as Princess Blondine and her kind-hearted friends. The opening of the collection introduces us to the story of Princess Blondine, who is cherished by her father, King Benin, after the death of her mother. As Blondine grows up, she soon faces the threat posed by her wicked new stepmother, Queen Fourbette, who harbors a deep jealousy toward the innocent princess. Ensnared by trickery, Blondine finds herself lost in the enchanted Forest of Lilacs, where her adventures take a turn towards danger and magic. The tale intertwines elements of betrayal, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness, setting the stage for Blondine’s journey and the exploration of various fantastical events that unfold thereafter.
The Story of a Donkey abridged from the French of Madame la comtesse de Ségur
"The Story of a Donkey" by Comtesse de Ségur is a novel written in 1860. Told as autobiography, it follows Cadichon, a learned donkey who recounts his life's adventures with wit and peasant wisdom. Escaping a cruel mistress, he encounters various masters—some kind, others not—and responds accordingly. He saves children from danger but also seeks revenge when wronged. Through his journey, Cadichon must learn that intelligence alone isn't enough; true happiness requires having a good heart.
Les malheurs de Sophie
"Les malheurs de Sophie" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a children's book published in 1858. Set in a French countryside castle during the Second Empire, the story follows Sophie, a mischievous girl living with her parents. Her escapades and mishaps unfold alongside her cousin Paul and friends Camille and Madeleine. The first book of a trilogy, this enduring classic has inspired numerous adaptations across film, television, animation, and music, captivating generations of readers with Sophie's spirited adventures and misadventures.
Nouveaux contes de fées pour les petits enfants
"Nouveaux contes de fées pour les petits enfants" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a collection of children's fairy tales likely written in the late 19th century. These tales are rich with imagination and moral lessons for young readers, showcasing characters such as the kind and innocent princess Blondine, who navigates various challenges and enchantments in a fantastical realm. The opening of the collection introduces the story of Blondine, a beloved princess whose life becomes complicated after the death of her mother and the arrival of a new queen who harbors ill intentions. The narrative begins with the king seeking a new wife for the happiness of his daughter, setting the stage for conflicts as the new queen, Fourbette, exhibits malicious traits that threaten Blondine’s safety. As the story unfolds, Blondine's pure heart contrasts with Brunette, her new half-sister, showcasing themes of kindness, jealousy, and the consequences of ingratitude as they interact within the enchanted and perilous world around them. The story promises adventures filled with suspense and opportunities for personal growth, engaging young readers’ imaginations.
Un bon petit diable
"Un bon petit diable" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a French children's novel published in 1865. In 1840s Scotland, twelve-year-old orphan Charles lives with his miserly, cruel cousin Madame Mac'Miche. The mischievous boy retaliates with endless pranks, aided by the household servant. His only refuge is visits to his kind cousin Juliette, a blind fifteen-year-old who urges him toward patience and goodness. As Charles battles his tyrannical guardian over his substantial inheritance, he must choose between revenge and redemption.
Les petites filles modèles
"Les petites filles modèles" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a children's novel published in 1858. The story follows two exemplary sisters, Camille and Madeleine de Fleurville, who befriend young Marguerite de Rosbourg and Sophie de Réan. While the first three girls learn to distinguish right from wrong through various adventures, Sophie suffers under her cruel stepmother, Madame Fichini, who beats and starves her. Through patience and compassion, the model girls help Sophie overcome the deep-rooted faults caused by her mistreatment.
François le Bossu
"François le Bossu" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published as a serial beginning in 1864. It tells the story of François de Nancé, a ten-year-old boy who becomes hunchbacked after a fall, and his friendship with six-year-old Christine des Ormes, a neglected girl mistreated by her governess. When Christine's parents leave for Paris, she finds refuge with François's loving father. The novel explores themes of education, resilience, and the idea that true worth lies beyond physical appearance.
L'auberge de l'ange gardien
"L'auberge de l'ange gardien" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a children's novel written in 1863. Two lost boys, Jacques and Paul, are rescued by a kind soldier named Moutier and brought to the Guardian Angel Inn, run by the generous Madame Blidot. When Moutier leaves for the Crimean War, the children remain at the inn, where they befriend Torchonnet, a mistreated boy from a neighboring establishment. Their paths intertwine with the eccentric General Dourakine in a tale of sacrifice, redemption, and unexpected family bonds.
Le Mauvais Génie
"Le Mauvais Génie" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published in 1867. When turkeys go missing from a farm, young Julien faces blame for their disappearance. The real culprit is Frédéric, the farmer's son, led astray by the wicked Alcide. What begins as petty theft escalates into more serious crimes, forcing Frédéric to join the army to atone for his mistakes. This moralistic yet humorous tale follows his struggle for redemption against the persistent bad influence threatening to destroy his future.
Jean qui grogne et Jean qui rit
"Jean qui grogne et Jean qui rit" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published in 1865. Two cousins, Jean and Jeannot, leave Brittany to seek work in Paris. Jean's cheerful and compassionate nature wins him affection and respect, while Jeannot's bitter disposition leads him down a darker path despite help from his cousin and benefactors. The story contrasts the wholesome countryside with the corrupting influence of the city, exploring whether moral choices stem from upbringing or something deeper within.
Les Mémoires d'un âne.
"Les Mémoires d'un âne" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published in 1860. Written as an autobiography, it follows Cadichon, a "learned donkey" who recounts his adventures with various masters. Some treat him kindly, earning his loyalty and service—he even saves a child from fire. Others abuse him, prompting rebellion. Through his experiences, Cadichon learns that cleverness alone isn't enough; true happiness requires a good heart. The tale blends peasant wisdom with moral lessons about kindness and redemption.
Pauvre Blaise
"Pauvre Blaise" by Comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a children's novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around a young boy named Blaise, the son of a concierge, who navigates the challenges and social dynamics of living near a noble family's estate. The narrative captures Blaise's experiences with the new masters of the castle and his friendship with their son, Jules, amidst various adventures and misunderstandings. The opening of the book introduces Blaise's anxiety about the arrival of the new masters, particularly a young boy named Jules. As Blaise reflects on his previous connections with the former masters and his bond with a boy named Jacques, he expresses a sense of loss. The chapter progresses as Blaise's mother discourages his worries and urges him to eat. The arrival of the new family and a brief encounter with the rude domestic set the scene for future conflicts. Ultimately, the beginning highlights themes of innocence, social class, and the emotional landscape of childhood as Blaise grapples with the changes in his environment and friendships.
Les vacances
"Les vacances" by Comtesse de Ségur is a children's novel published in 1859. This book concludes the Fleurville trilogy, following Sophie de Réan and her friends as they gather at the château for summer vacation. The girls and their cousins plan days filled with games, building cabins, and butterfly hunts. But their peaceful holiday takes an unexpected turn when two shipwrecked figures, long thought lost, suddenly return with tales of furious seas and savage lands—bringing news that will transform Sophie's and Marguerite's lives forever.
Le Général Dourakine
"Le Général Dourakine" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a children's novel published in 1863. General Dourakine returns to Russia with the Dérigny family, where his two nieces arrive—one virtuous, one cruel and hypocritical. When a Polish prince condemned to Siberia appears in disguise, the household faces danger and intrigue. The general must navigate family conflicts, protect the innocent, and confront the brutal realities of Russian serfdom before seeking refuge in France. This tale explores themes of compassion, justice, and the stark contrast between good and evil.
Les deux nigauds
"Les deux nigauds" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a novel published in 1863. Two provincial children, Innocent and Simplicie, dream of leaving their quiet Breton countryside for the glamorous life of Paris. When their exasperated father finally grants their wish, the siblings quickly discover that city life is far from what they imagined. Their country manners and poor taste make them targets of mockery, while their aunt proves violent and their new surroundings hostile. This cautionary tale explores themes of parental education and the perils of indulging children's whims.