Roger de Rabutin

Date of Birth: April 13, 1618

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 9, 1693

Biography

Roger de Rabutin, also known as Comte de Bussy, was a renowned 17th-century French writer and soldier. Born into the French nobility, Bussy-Rabutin’s life was marked by his witty and satirical writing, as well as his turbulent career in the French army. He is best known for his scandalous memoir, “Histoire amoureuse des Gaules,” which provided a candid and often critical look at the love affairs and intrigues of the French court. His forthrightness in this work led to his imprisonment in the Bastille and subsequent exile to his estates in Burgundy, where he continued to write. Despite his exile, Bussy-Rabutin maintained correspondence with important literary figures of his time, including Madame de Sévigné, his cousin. His works are celebrated for their sharp wit, keen observations, and the vivid portrayal of 17th-century French society.

5 Interesting Facts about Roger de Rabutin

1. Roger de Rabutin was imprisoned in the Bastille for a year due to the controversial nature of his memoir, “Histoire amoureuse des Gaules.”

2. He was a cousin of the famous French letter-writer Madame de Sévigné.

3. Bussy-Rabutin served in the French army and participated in various military campaigns before his writing career overshadowed his military exploits.

4. He was exiled to his estates in Burgundy after his release from the Bastille but continued to remain a significant literary figure.

5. His estate, the Château de Bussy-Rabutin, is now a museum dedicated to his life and works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roger de Rabutin

1. “To write well, one must be willing to offend.”

2. “A little scandal is an excellent thing; it keeps the world awake.”

3. “True wit is nature to advantage dressed; what oft was thought, but ne’er so well expressed.”

4. “The greatest fault of a penetrating wit is to go beyond the mark.”

5. “The pleasure of criticism takes from us that of being deeply moved by beautiful things.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no precise records of Roger de Rabutin’s net worth, but as a member of the French nobility, he would have had significant wealth and estates, particularly his Château de Bussy-Rabutin.