Born in trying times in the middle of a violent hurricane, Charles Pierre was destined for turmoil and rapid changes at a period when revolution and rebellion had become the accepted norm everywhere. Unable to dictate the terms or relate to the conditions at that delicate aspect of his dependent life, his future is made apparent through the struggles his father endures as relationships are challenged by selfishness and a general sense of indifference. Further influencing the decisions taken and the threats to his well-being is the depravation and general lack of vital resources on the tiny island on which he resides. Having to rely so much on the boats and on fishing as the sea accounts for such a great part of their livelihood, Charles story is told even as he lies in his crib under the general care of his mother whose health has now come under scrutiny. Facing the task of adapting and making necessary changes to keep abreast with the changing times, Mr. Pierre, Charless father, has to keep a still head as he makes crucial decisions that will very well determine the path his sons future takes. Before he could relate or even utter a single babble, Charles saga has begun to unfold.

'No one can write a man's life except himself.' In his Confessions Jean-Jacques Rousseau tells the story of his life, from the formative experience of his humble childhood in Geneva, through the achievement of international fame as novelist and philosopher in Paris, to his wanderings as an exile, persecuted by governments and alienated from the world of modern civilization. In trying to explain who he was and how he came to be the object of others' admiration and abuse, Rousseau analyses with unique insight the relationship between an elusive but essential inner self and the variety of social identities he was led to adopt. The book vividly illustrates the mixture of moods and motives that underlie the writing of autobiography: defiance and vulnerability, self-exploration and denial, passion, puzzlement, and detachment. Above all, Confessions is Rousseau's search, through every resource of language, to convey what he despairs of putting into words: the personal quality of one's own existence. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Based on his doctrine of natural goodness, Rousseau intended the Confessions as a testing ground to explore his belief that, as Christopher Kelly writes, "people are to be measured by the depth and nature of their feelings." Re-created here in a meticulously documented new translation based on the definitive Pléiade edition, the work represents Rousseau's attempt to forge connections among his beliefs, his feelings, and his life. More than a "behind-the-scenes look at the private life of a public man," Kelly writes, "the Confessions is at the center of Rousseau's philosophical enterprise."

This collection was generated by ideas derived from assignments and projects from my College years, enhanced by the general knowledge I received growing and learning in the Islands which I cherish so dearly. Having gone through the process of working, work-shopping and reworking the pieces, I was able to take what I deemed worthy to come up with these fictional representation of my experiences, incorporating my figurative account of the dilemma the transition to New York life added, creating entertainment for those worthy; also serving as a reminder to those who may have forgotten, FROM WHENCE WE CAME.

This book is presented to scholars with a broad interest in modern languages and literatures. It contains articles written in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The topics rangein time from the Middle Ages to our day; geographically, from Europe and Africa to Latin America; in substance, from literary analysis to the study of manuscripts, stylistics, and the use of acronyms. The authors were given complete freedom to write papers on subjects of their choice, in their respective fields of specialization. The indis treatment, and a pensable ingredients were originality of material or genuine contribution to knowledge in the general area of modern languages and literatures. While responsibility for content rests with individual authors, we deeply appreciate the counsels of wisdom and experience given by Pro fessor Nicolae Iliescu of Harvard University; Professor Rene J asinski, emeritus, of Harvard; Professor Luis A. Murillo, of the University of California at Berkeley; Professor Erich Von Richthofen, of the Uni versity of Toronto. These distinguished scholars, with their usual kindness, interrupted their own work to read portians of the manuscript of particular interest to them. To the Administration of Boston College, we acknowledge a debt of gratitude for the generaus subsidy which encouraged this labor of love among colleagues and helped to bring the project to a successful, printed completion.

In one of the first attempts at autobiography, Rousseau1s Confessions not only retells the facts of the author1s life, but reveals his innermost feelings & details the strengths & weaknesses of his character.