La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680) was a French classical author who was one of the most active rebels of the Fronde before becoming the leading proponent of the maxime, a French literary form of epigram that expresses severe or contradictory facts with brevity. La Rochefoucauld published only two works, the Mémoires and the Maximes. Additionally, about 150 letters have been collected with 19 shorter pieces, now known as Réflexions diverses.Leonard Tancock (1902–1986) was an eminent translator of French and a renowned scholar. He taught French at University College London and is best known for his translation of classic French literature, including works by Émile Zola, Voltaire, and Guy de Maupassant.

• Maxims - La Rochefoucauld Translated by Leonard TancockIntroductionPortraitsSelf-Portrait of the Duc de la RochefoucauldPortrait of the Duc de la Rochefoucauld by Cardinal de RetzPortrait of Cardinal de Retz by La RochefoucauldMaximsReflections or Aphorisms and Moral MaximsPosthumous MaximsMaxims withdrawn by the AuthorNotes