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INSIDE the Bordeaux Copy
(Click for extra large version)
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Ordering the Bordeaux Copy
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| What is the Bordeaux Copy? |
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What is today commonly
called the Bordeaux Copy is a printed copy of the last edition
published during the lifetime of Montaigne by Abel L'Angelier
in 1588. This copy is copiously annotated in Montaigne's hand.
These numerous additions, suppressions and corrections, visible
in the margins as well as in the body of the text, represent
typographical variants, word substitutions, punctuation alterations,
and even stylistic changes. But it is especially the textual
developments (which Montaigne called "allongeails")-written
between the Summer of 1588 and September 13 1592 (date of his
death) which literally invade the blank space of the margins.
These additions show us how Montaigne worked on his Essais.
It is for this reason that the Bordeaux Copy represents a unique
and rare document. Indeed, according to Montaigne, the Essais
represent a "bundle of so many disparate pieces", a book which
has built itself up with diverse interruptions and intervals".
The Bordeaux Copy possess about one third of manuscript additions
when compared to the printed text of 1588. This document is
precious for its peculiar status: part manuscript and part printed
book. It enables us to better understand what Montaigne meant
when he confessed wanting to "try himself" and write "as long
as there is ink and paper in the world".. The Bordeaux Copy
can be seen as a palimpsest of memory and judgment.
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