Abstract
Le Beau’s 1734 travelogue on Canada was a failure – but studying failures allows us to recognize contemporary aesthetic expectations. Two journals launched into a detailed criticism of the text and pondered on the possibility of a better travel writing practice. Each condemns Le Beau’s text from their own angle – the literary journal for its lack of interest, the Jesuit journal for scientific imprecision and for disparaging comments on Jesuits. The debate takes place in a key period for French public opinion, when the journalist is slowly becoming an independent actor on the intellectual scene – taking now part in aesthetic debates.
Original language | French |
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Title of host publication | Écrire des récits de voyage (XVIe - XVIIIe siècles) |
Subtitle of host publication | Esquisse d'une poétique en gestation |
Editors | M. Pioffet , A. Matsch |
Place of Publication | Québec |
Publisher | Presses de l'Université Laval |
Pages | 149 - 158 |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |