Chapter 11, Histoire Prodigieuse, Histoire Tragique Summary and Analysis

Guillaume Le Sueur's book about the Martin Guerre case reads like a news account, according to the author. It tells the story of the Guerre family and Martin Guerre, from their leaving the Basque country and their arrival in Artigat, to the execution of Arnaud du Tilh. The book is rapidly printed in 1561, first in Latin, and soon after in French. The story catches the public's interest due to the amazing feats of impersonation and the adoption of an identity performed by Arnaud du Tilh, until he is eventually caught. Even then, he may have escaped, if the real Martin Guerre had not shown up at the last minute.

Coras' book is the more wide ranging book on the case. It comments on the many related issues to the trial, such as the...