Pour Une Poesie Chretienne a L'age Baroque: Mysticisme, Heroisme et Feminisme Chez Pierre Le Moyne 1602-1671.

The study constituting the object of this research on one of the best French poets of the 17th century, yet one of the least known, Pierre Le Moyne, aims at restoring this great French poet in his right place, preparing and clearing the way in order to allow further research and stimulate future interest in his works. Pierre Le Moyne is not only an outstanding French Jesuit poet and writer, but also an educator, a preacher, and a confessor. His major works were dedicated to the most eminent figures of his time, high society personalities, such as kings Louis the XIII and Louis the XIV, the cardinal de Richelieu, the chancellor Seguier, the president De Mesmes, and many others. The testimonies of great contemporary authors on his behalf, as well as excerpts of some of his major works are presented in the present study for the purpose of reforming the same popularity, fame, and major literary consideration Pierre Le Moyne enjoyed during the 17th century. The universal appeal--and not only in France--the works of Pierre Le Moyne met during the 17th century reveals beyond the subsequent centuries' omissions of his works, the merit of the poet and the fine value of his work. The influence Pierre Le Moyne exerted on the most eminent authors and writers of his time, such as Descartes and Moliere, to name a few, informs us of the superiority of his literary talent, gives us the assurance that the fame and popularity he enjoyed were nothing less than well deserved, and confirms the worth of this present study as well as subsequent research.