Pat W. (3ladybug) reviewed on + 531 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating document of an interesting life of the Breton peasant, Deguignet, 1834 - 1905. The adventure novel is of curiosity and vigor of an alert, opinionated autodidact from the very lowest level of peasant society. Deguignet was unique: he was literate; self-taught to read.
Deguignet read history, philosophy, politics and literature. Deguignet was also known for his skepticism re: the church (at one time he was a believer and was learned in the reading of Biblical teachings and the Bible), his interest in science, astronomy, and languages; and for his keen-often caustic--observations of the world & people around him.
When a young peasant, Deguignet begged for the family's food. He left the Breton province as a soldier, learning Latin, French, then Italian and Spanish along the way. He fought in the Crimean war, served as attendant at Emperor Napoleon III's coronation, supported Italy's liveration struggle, & was deployed to defend the ill-fated puppet emperor Maximilian in Mexico.
When Deguignet returned back to Brittany, he worked as a farmer & tobacconist, falling back into dire poverty.
The story continues on quite interestingly, with much more... As you can see, Deguignet leads a quite interesting life. The book is a great read for the person who likes history, especially European history.
Deguignet read history, philosophy, politics and literature. Deguignet was also known for his skepticism re: the church (at one time he was a believer and was learned in the reading of Biblical teachings and the Bible), his interest in science, astronomy, and languages; and for his keen-often caustic--observations of the world & people around him.
When a young peasant, Deguignet begged for the family's food. He left the Breton province as a soldier, learning Latin, French, then Italian and Spanish along the way. He fought in the Crimean war, served as attendant at Emperor Napoleon III's coronation, supported Italy's liveration struggle, & was deployed to defend the ill-fated puppet emperor Maximilian in Mexico.
When Deguignet returned back to Brittany, he worked as a farmer & tobacconist, falling back into dire poverty.
The story continues on quite interestingly, with much more... As you can see, Deguignet leads a quite interesting life. The book is a great read for the person who likes history, especially European history.
