The Story of the Marquis de Cressy: An MLA Translation

A sentimental novel exploring love and betrayal

Returning to court after triumphant success in war, the Marquis de Cressy sets out to become successful in society as well. Along the way, he begins romances with two women: one young and naive, the other a widow of noble status and character. Unaware of their connection to the same man, they are each betrayed by him in turn.

Admired by Marie Antoinette, Denis Diderot, Adam Smith, and others, Marie-Jeanne Riccoboni was one of the most popular writers of the French eighteenth century. Her writing continues to resonate, portraying heroines who seek agency over their own destinies and criticizing an unfair social order in which men benefit from unearned status. Today, readers of this sentimental novel from 1758 can appreciate its emotional intelligence, tightly woven story structure, and protofeminist perspective.

Marie-Jeanne Riccoboni (1713-92) was one of the best-selling novelists of eighteenth-century France and was known as a consummate stylist. In her work, she explored issues of marriage and romantic relationships while tackling the difficult question of women’s independence in a society dominated by men. Unusually for a woman author during this era, she supported herself through her writing.