Recollections of My Youth

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Renan, Ernest, 1823-1892

Standardized Title:

Souvenirs d'enfance et de jeunesse. English

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Recollections of My Youth" by Ernest Renan is a memoir written in the late 19th century that reflects on the author's childhood and formative experiences in Brittany, France. The narrative serves as a retrospective exploration of Renan's youth, touching on themes of nostalgia, spirituality, and the cultural essence of Brittany. Through personal anecdotes, he captures the complex interplay between his early life in a religious community and his intellectual development. The opening of the memoir sets a contemplative tone, as Renan introduces the legend of the submerged city of Is, which symbolizes the elusive nature of memory. He expresses a desire to revisit his childhood, although he acknowledges that his recollections will not form a linear narrative but rather a collection of impressions and reflections. Through vivid descriptions of his upbringing in Tréguier, the author highlights the spiritual and idealistic influences of his surroundings, from the imposing cathedral to the revered clergy who shaped his moral compass. The narrative delves into his childhood experiences, relationships, and the gradual awakening of his intellectual curiosity, setting the stage for a profound exploration of his transitional journey from innocence to experience. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

E-text prepared by Curtis Weyant, Leah Moser, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team HTML file produced by David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 65.7 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-06-26