Petit Glossaire des lettres de Madame de Sévigné

This compact reference gathers the most striking words and expressions that appear in the celebrated correspondence of a 17th‑century French aristocrat. Edited with care, the original spelling is left untouched while obvious printing errors are corrected, giving listeners a faithful glimpse of the language as it was written. Designed for readers who remain devoted to the era’s literature, the work aims to illuminate the vocabulary that makes the letters so vivid and lively.

Beyond a simple list, the glossary explores how the richness of that period’s French has gradually faded from everyday use. It highlights the author’s broad education—her fluency in Italian, Spanish, Latin, and her familiarity with classical and contemporary writers—showing how these influences colour her natural, rapid style. By unpacking the forgotten terms, the guide helps modern ears hear the elegance and immediacy that made her letters feel both intimate and timeless, deepening appreciation for one of the era’s most beloved epistolary voices.