Louis-Élisabeth de La Vergne de Tressan facts for kids
Louis-Élisabeth de la Vergne, comte de Tressan (born November 4, 1705, in Le Mans, France – died October 31, 1783) was a very talented Frenchman. He was a soldier, a doctor, a scientist, and a writer. He is most famous for rewriting old stories from the Middle Ages. These stories were called "chivalric romances." His work helped make the "Troubadour style" popular in French art.
Contents
A Life of Service and Study
Early Years and Military Career
When he was just 13 years old, Louis-Élisabeth de Tressan became a companion to the young King Louis XV. He joined the king's special guard unit in 1735. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1743.
He served as an aide to the king during the Battle of Fontenoy. This was an important battle in 1745. By 1748, he became a General-lieutenant. He was later made the governor of Toul.
Life at Court and Academic Achievements
King Stanisław Leszczyński invited Tressan to his court in Lunéville. There, he received the important title of grand marshal.
In 1751, he became the first director of the Royal Society of Sciences and Arts in Nancy. He was also a member of many other important groups. In 1749, he joined the Académie des sciences. Later, in 1780, he became a member of the Académie française. These were very high honors for a scholar.
Friendships and Contributions
Tressan was friends with famous thinkers like Voltaire and Buffon. He often visited the popular social gatherings called "salons." One famous salon he attended was hosted by Mme de Tencin.
He wrote several poems. He also rewrote many chivalric romances. He translated and adapted these stories from Spanish and Old French. His versions were so popular they were printed many times.
Tressan also wrote one of the first books in French about electricity. He helped create the Encyclopédie. This was a huge collection of knowledge. He worked on it with famous writers like Diderot and D’Alembert.
Notable Works
Louis-Élisabeth de Tressan was known for his many writings. He especially loved to adapt old stories.
- Amadis de Gaule, traduction libre (1779): This was a free translation of a famous chivalric romance.
- Roland furieux. Poème héroïque de l’Arioste (4 volumes, 1780): A heroic poem by Ariosto, adapted by Tressan.
- Essai sur le fluide électrique, considéré comme agent universel (2 volumes, 1786): This book explored electricity as a universal force. You can read it online here.
- Corps d’extraits de romans de chevalerie (4 volumes, 1782): This collection included many summaries of old knightly tales. It featured stories like Tristan de Léonois and Huon de Bordeaux.
- Le Chevalier Robert, ou Histoire de Robert surnommé le Brave (1800): The story of Robert the Brave Knight.
- Rose Summers, ou les Dangers de l’imprévoyance traduit librement de l’anglais (1805): A free translation from English about the dangers of not planning ahead.
- Œuvres (8 volumes, 1822–23): A large collection of all his works.
