François Rabelais

El prestigio de Rabelais se ha forjado sobre su irresistible y excepcional comicidad, pero lo cierto es que fue un humanista que procuró aunar las tradiciones clásica y cristiana en una tercera, a la búsqueda de un tipo ideal de individuo que se alejase definitivamente de los razonamientos abstractos y «helados» de los escolásticos de la Sorbona, al reencuentro con la calidez de lo humano. Si Rabelais, médico, fue admirado entre sus contemporáneos como un hombre de gran erudición capaz de escribir en latín y en griego, sus novelas le convirtieron en un popularísimo escritor que se divertía haciendo saltar por los aires el lenguaje con sus juegos de palabras y sus razonamientos extravagantes, en un mundo dominado por gigantes y cretinos, borrachos y farsantes. Las dificultades de comprensión que a menudo han hecho ilegibles estas novelas se han salvado con unas notas de presentación que abren cada capítulo, en las que se da cuenta del sujeto satirizado y las circunstancias de la misma sátira. La introducción del libro, redactada para esta edición por uno de los mayores especialistas en Rabelais, el profesor Guy Demerson, servirá al lector español para acercarse al autor, su circunstancia y sus obras.

Muchos autores han considerado "enigmático" a Rabelais y han destacado el carácter desconcertante de su obra o su extraordinaria dificultad. Rabelais es difícil y enigmático porque representa un mundo muy diferente del nuestro. Su obra esta plagada de alusiones, a veces serias, casi siempre jocosas, a una cultura muy alejada de nosotros. Carecemos de la profunda familiaridad con los textos biblicos, con la escolastica tardia o con las interpretaciones de las Sagradas Escrituras que tenia un monje de la primera mitad del siglo XVI. Rabelais es un humanista y esta convencido de que en el estudio y el saber de la cultura de la Antiguedad se encuentra la clave del conocimiento de la naturaleza y la dignidad del hombre."Pantagruel" es la primera incursion de Rabelais en el mundo de los relatos de gigantes, aunque, siguiendo el orden de los relatos, suela leerse la historia de Gargantua antes que la de Pantagruel. Digno hijo de Gargantua, Pantagruel es un gigante bonachon y benefico, al que Rabelais intenta crear su propia leyenda heroica, dotandole de una ilustre genealogia. La musa de la poesia epica y la musa de la comedia y poesia festiva presiden la obra y Rabelais crea con ellas la prosa francesa moderna.

«Rire est le propre de l''homme», disait Rabelais et, pour nous faire rire, il invente Pantagruel, le fils de Gargantua. Gargantua était le héros d''un livret de colporteur publié avec succès à Lyon

Christophe Colomb trouva son nouveau monde à cinquante ans. Rabelais avait à peu près le même âge, ou un peu plus, quand il trouva le sien. La nouveauté du fond fut signalée par celle de la forme. La

Gargantua e Pantagruel rappresenta ancora oggi unopera unica e affascinante.Un testo che, a quasi 500 anni dalla sua prima uscita, mantiene intatta la sua originalita e lintrinseca forza di attrazione nei confronti dei lettori di tutte le fasce deta.Divisa in cinque libri, pubblicati tra il 1532 e il 1564, lopera narra le rocambolesche avventure di due giganti, padre e figlio, nella Francia del Rinascimento. François Rabelais, che qui si firma con lo pseudonimo Alcofribas Nasier (lanagramma del suo nome), si prende gioco della mentalita e del pensiero medievali, esaltando al contrario la cultura umanistica e antica. Sotto il profilo linguistico, poi, Gargantua e Pantagruel e una fonte inesauribile di invenzioni e neologismi. Un vero piacere per gli occhi e per la mente.Fantasia, ironia e satira infine percorrono le numerose pagine che, grazie allestro dellautore, non annoiano mai.François Rabelais nasce a Deviniere il 4 febbraio del 1493.Riceve uneducazione religiosa e inizialmente prende i voti. In seguito, dopo aver lasciato labito talare, intraprende gli studi di Medicina. Quindi comincia la sua produzione letteraria. Il suo nome e indissolubilmente legato al capolavoro della letteratura umanistica Gargantua e Pantagruel.Notevole e come riesca a trattare argomenti seri e importanti, quali la religione, la filosofia e leducazione attraverso immagini spesso divertenti e surreali. Questo lo rende di certo accessibile e vicino a noi.Muore a Parigi il 9 aprile 1553.

Had Rabelais never written his strange and marvellous romance, no one would ever have imagined the possibility of its production. It stands outside other thingsa mixture of mad mirth and gravity, of folly and reason, of childishness and grandeur, of the commonplace and the out-of-the-way, of popular verve and polished humanism, of mother-wit and learning, of baseness and nobility, of personalities and broad generalization, of the comic and the serious, of the impossible and the familiar. Throughout the whole there is such a force of life and thought, such a power of good sense, a kind of assurance so authoritative, that he takes rank with the greatest; and his peers are not many. You may like him or not, may attack him or sing his praises, but you cannot ignore him. He is of those that die hard. Be as fastidious as you will; make up your mind to recognize only those who are, without any manner of doubt, beyond and above all others; however few the names you keep, Rabelais will always remain.

Had Rabelais never written his strange and marvellous romance, no one would ever have imagined the possibility of its production. It stands outside other thingsa mixture of mad mirth and gravity, of folly and reason, of childishness and grandeur, of the commonplace and the out-of-the-way, of popular verve and polished humanism, of mother-wit and learning, of baseness and nobility, of personalities and broad generalization, of the comic and the serious, of the impossible and the familiar. Throughout the whole there is such a force of life and thought, such a power of good sense, a kind of assurance so authoritative, that he takes rank with the greatest; and his peers are not many. You may like him or not, may attack him or sing his praises, but you cannot ignore him. He is of those that die hard. Be as fastidious as you will; make up your mind to recognize only those who are, without any manner of doubt, beyond and above all others; however few the names you keep, Rabelais will always remain.

In "The Third Book" of Franois Rabelais monumental series, the narrative continues to explore the fantastical and comedic adventures of Pantagruel and his companions, weaving a tapestry of satire and intellectual discourse. Rabelais employs a unique blend of vibrant and exuberant prose, characterized by its vivid imagery and wordplay, that illustrates the Renaissance spirit of inquiry and playfulness. The text deftly critiques contemporary societal norms, religious dogma, and human folly while simultaneously celebrating humanism and the pursuit of knowledge, showcasing the authorAos mastery in blending entertainment with philosophical inquiry. Franois Rabelais, a physician, humanist, and writer, was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of the Renaissance and the reformist ideas of his time. His medical background and experience with religious institutions shaped his satirical lens, allowing him to deftly articulate themes surrounding health, education, and the absurdity of social conventions. RabelaisAo personal experiences and extensive reading of classical works provided the foundation for his rich narrative style and his critiques of authority, melding the sacred and the profane in a single narrative arc. Readers are invited to delve into the enchanting world of "The Third Book" for a humorous yet profound examination of humanity. RabelaisAo work not only entertains but also stimulates critical thought, making it essential reading for those interested in the intersections of literature, philosophy, and societal commentary. Immerse yourself in Rabelais vibrant language and thought-provoking themes that resonate even in todays world.

In "The Fourth Book," Franois Rabelais continues the exuberant and fantastical adventures of Gargantua and Pantagruel, crafting a narrative rich in satirical commentary and playful language. The novel is characterized by its distinctive blend of humor, philosophical inquiry, and scholarly wit, exploring themes of humanism, the nature of knowledge, and the absurdity of societal norms. Rabelais employs a vibrant literary style marked by a fusion of erudition and irreverence, drawing inspiration from classical texts while engaging with contemporary issues of the early Renaissance. The intermingling of the grotesque and the sublime reflects Rabelaiss deep engagement with the complexities of the human experience, making this work not only entertaining but also a profound commentary on the human condition. Franois Rabelais, a physician and humanist, drew on his extensive education and experiences in the tumultuous context of 16th-century France to create this seminal work. His interest in the relationship between medicine, education, and society immersed him in the intellectual currents of his time, particularly in the revival of classical thought. Rabelaiss unique position allowed him to question authority and champion human potential through the lens of his fantastical narratives, inviting readers to contemplate their place in the world. Readers seeking a blend of humor, philosophy, and social critique will find "The Fourth Book" an essential addition to their literary repertoire. RabelaisAos provocative explorations challenge conventional wisdom and encourage a playful introspection that resonates through the ages. For those fascinated by the intricacies of human nature and the joys of literary play, this work remains a timeless treasure.

Good people, most illustrious drinkers, and you, thrice precious gouty gentlemen, did you ever see Diogenes, and cynic philosopher? If you have seen him, you then had your eyes in your head, or I am very much out of my understanding and logical sense. It is a gallant thing to see the clearness of (wine, gold,) the sun. Ill be judged by the blind born so renowned in the sacred Scriptures, who, having at his choice to ask whatever he would from him who is Almighty, and whose word in an instant is effectually performed, asked nothing else but that he might see. Item, you are not young, which is a competent quality for you to philosophate more than physically in wine, not in vain, and henceforwards to be of the Bacchic Council; to the end that, opining there, you may give your opinion faithfully of the substance, colour, excellent odour, eminency, propriety, faculty, virtue, and effectual dignity of the said blessed and desired liquor.

El "Quinto y último libro de Pantagruel" es una obra publicada años después de la muerte de Rabelais. Por tanto, la cuestión de la autenticidad de la autoría es el problema más debatido de su obra. Los alegatos a favor o en contra de su autenticidad se han sucedido y multiplicado a lo largo de los siglos. Podria concluirse que el "Quinto libro" estaria compuesto en su mayoria por textos redactados por Rabelais, aunque no se trataria de un libro preparado como tal por el autor. Las circunstancias de la tardia aparicion de la obra hacen que siga conservando buena parte del misterio que envolvio su publicacion.En los ultimos capitulos del "Quinto libro", Pantagruel y su inseparable compañero Panurgo llegan al lejano oraculo de la divina Botella, viaje proyectado en el capitulo 47 del "Tercer libro" y emprendido en el "Cuarto". El "Quinto y ultimo libro" prolonga el tema del viaje maritimo que hunde sus raices en la Antiguedad, en la Edad Media y en las cronicas de viajes reales de la epoca del autor. Pantagruel, heredero de Ulises, viaja por mares desconocidos y descubre mundos fantasticos, en el relato de un viaje hacia lo exotico y desconocido.

Adaptation de l'ancien français par Marie-Madeleine Fragonard

François Rabelaiss "The Third Book" continues the exuberant and satirical journey of his epic character Gargantua and his son Pantagruel, delving deeper into Renaissance humanism and the philosophy of the era. Through a blend of rich allegory, wit, and a robust narrative style, Rabelais critiques societal norms, education, and the church, illustrating the vitality of human experience. This tome showcases Rabelaiss inventive language and dialectical play, embedding humor in discussions on medicine, philosophy, and the nature of laughter, firmly situating it within the context of the carnival culture that celebrates grostesque realities alongside lofty ideals. François Rabelais, a scholar, physician, and monk, lived during a time of great intellectual upheaval in 16th-century France. His diverse background informed his writings, as he drew from classical literature, his own medical profession, and the burgeoning humanist perspective. Rabelaiss experiences undoubtedly shaped his keen observations of humanity and the folly within societal constructs, making his works significant in the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Rabelaiss "The Third Book" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of humor, philosophy, and the social critique of the human condition. With its blend of erudition and irreverence, this work invites readers to reflect on the absurdities of life while celebrating the joy of existence, making it a timeless masterpiece that resonates with todays quest for meaning.

Le second roman de Rabelais, toujours publié sous le nom dAlcofribas Nasier, pose des problèmes de datation, la critique actuelle hésitant entre 1533-1534 et 1535. En raison de la répression royale d

From: Five Books Of The Lives, Heroic Deeds And Sayings Of Gargantua / And His Son Pantagruel / Illustrated by Gustave Dore / Tr.: Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty and Peter Antony Motteux

La storia del gigante Gargantua e di suo figlio Pantagruele (come dei personaggi minori), consiste in un percorso attraverso le follie del mondo (da cui il debito di Rabelais nei confronti di Erasmo) e attraverso lipocrisia della cultura dominante, la quale merita solo una carnevalesca derisione, libera da qualsiasi freno. Le avventure dei personaggi sono inserite in unatmosfera eccessiva e goliardica e vengono tenute insieme da uno stile imprevedibile, che si impossessa, in modo satirico, tanto del gergo popolare quanto di quello accademico.Nota: gli e-book editi da E-text in collaborazione con Liber Liber sono tutti privi di DRM; si possono quindi leggere su qualsiasi lettore di e-book, si possono copiare su piu dispositivi e, volendo, si possono anche modificare.Questo e-book aiuta il sito di Liber Liber, una mediateca che rende disponibili gratuitamente migliaia di capolavori della letteratura e della musica.