Blue-beard: A Contribution to History and Folk-lore by Thomas Wilson

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Author Wilson, Thomas, 1832-1902
LoC No. 00000083
Title Blue-beard: A Contribution to History and Folk-lore
Being the history of Gilles de Retz of Brittany, France, who was executed at Nantes in 1440 A.D., and who was the original of Blue-beard in the tales of Mother Goose
Note Reading ease score: 56.5 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Chris Curnow, Charlie Howard, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
file was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive)
Summary "Blue-beard: A Contribution to History and Folk-lore" by Thomas Wilson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the chilling life of Gilles de Retz, a 15th-century nobleman and one of the most notorious figures in French history, often cited as the inspiration for the legendary character Bluebeard from folkloric tales. The narrative explores his early life, military career, decadence, and ultimately, his heinous crimes, asserting a deeper connection to the longstanding mythos surrounding him. The opening of the text introduces Gilles de Retz as a significant historical figure, detailing his noble lineage, wealth, and military achievements, including his association with Joan of Arc. It paints a vivid picture of his early life, education, and eventual rise to prominence as a Marshal of France, showcasing his initial valor in battle and lavish lifestyle. However, it heralds the transformation of his character as he becomes entangled in darker pursuits, leading to his infamous reputation for abducting and murdering children, which sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy of his life. The meticulous detailing of Gilles's circumstances foreshadows the monstrous revelations that follow, merging history with the eerie folklore of Bluebeard. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class DC: History: General and Eastern Hemisphere: France, Andorra, Monaco
Subject Marshals -- France -- Biography
Subject Rais, Gilles de, 1404-1440
Subject Criminals -- France -- Biography
Subject France -- History -- Charles VII, 1422-1461 -- Biography
Subject Bluebeard (Legendary character)
Category Text
EBook-No. 59955
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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