Nicolae Alexandru Virastau – författare

This book offers a survey of the constitution of the French memoir tradition, and explores in detail the works of four representative authors: Philippe de Commynes, Louise de Savoie, Philippe de Cheverny, and Francois de Bassompierre. Works of self-writing were usually printed under the title of "e;memoirs"e; and have been often considered a uniform genre. These early forms of self-writing were in fact highly heterogenous works at the crossroads of multiple genres, from the account book to the astrological diary. Their writing, printing, and circulation challenge modern notions of autobiographical genres: their authorship is often questionable and collective, and they tended to be compiled in large collections for political ends, without regard to the authors' intention.

This critical edition highlights the astrological writings of Jean Thenaud, a sixteenth-century astrologer at the French court who served Louise of Savoy and her son, King Francis I. Thenaud’s works provide a rare glimpse into the intense fascination with astrology at the Renaissance court, particularly during the crisis of 1524, when planetary conjunctions led to widespread fears of floods and natural disasters. By creatively incorporating Lucian of Samosata’s dialogues, Thenaud also crafted one of the earliest cosmic journeys in early modern European literature. This book enriches our understanding of how astrology, prophecy, politics, and literature interacted in shaping early modern European thought.