Lettres sur l'histoire de France
"Lettres sur l'histoire de France" by Augustin Thierry is a collection of essays written in the early 19th century. The work seeks to address and critique the prevailing historical narratives of France, focusing specifically on the formation of the nation and the communal revolution. Thierry aims to illuminate historical inaccuracies while advocating for a deeper understanding of France's past beyond the traditional focus on monarchs and elite classes. The opening of "Lettres sur l'histoire de France" presents Thierry’s intentions and motivations for writing the collection, emphasizing the necessity for a history that reflects the collective experiences of all layers of society, not just the nobility. He expresses his belief that the common narrative, which stems from historical writings, has often been misleading and devoid of the true essence of the French people. Through a series of letters, he critiques earlier historians, voices his admiration for medieval democratic roots, and illustrates the need for a more comprehensive retelling of France’s history to foster national identity and understanding, setting the stage for a discussion on what constitutes a true national history.