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Francois Beroalde VervilleFrench writer of the late 16th - early 17th centuries.
Date of Birth: 15.04.1556
Country:  France |
Content:
- François Béroalde de Verville (1556-1626): The Man of Many Masks
- Return to Paris and Literary Pursuits
- "Le Moyen de Parvenir": A Literary Masterpiece
- Other Writings
- Natural Science:"L'Histoire des vers qui filent la soye" (1600)
- Legacy
François Béroalde de Verville (1556-1626): The Man of Many Masks
Early Life and EducationFrançois Béroalde de Verville was born to a humanist father and a Calvinist mother in France in the late 16th century. In the wake of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, he sought refuge in Switzerland, where he studied medicine in Basel and Geneva. Influenced by the teachings of Paracelsus, he delved into alchemy.
Return to Paris and Literary Pursuits
Around 1583, Béroalde returned to Paris and renounced Calvinism. He followed Henry III into exile in Tours in 1589, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1593, he was appointed canon of the Cathedral of Saint-Gatien.
"Le Moyen de Parvenir": A Literary Masterpiece
Béroalde is best known for his renowned work, "Le Moyen de Parvenir," published anonymously in 1616. This satirical novel-dialogue reflects his vast erudition and follows the tradition of Menippean satire. In this imaginative universal feast, over 400 renowned figures engage in witty banter, share tales, and explore various topics, often with erotic and scatological undertones.
Other Writings
Beyond "Le Moyen de Parvenir," Béroalde penned a range of works, including:
Poetry:"Les Connoissances necessaires" (1583), "L'Idée de la République" (1583)
Natural Science:"L'Histoire des vers qui filent la soye" (1600)
Translation:"Le Tableau des riches inventions" (1600), a French translation of Colonna's "Hypnerotomachia Poliphili"
Romance:"Les Amours d'Aesionne" (1597), "La Pucelle d'Orléans" (1599), "Histoire d'Hérodias" (1600)
Legacy
François Béroalde de Verville stands as a prominent figure in Renaissance literature. His works showcased his wit, erudition, and mastery of language. "Le Moyen de Parvenir" remains a testament to the cultural diversity and intellectual ferment of the era.
