Authorship of Persuasion in France

The French translation of Jane Austen's novel "Persuasion" was published under the title "La Famille Elliot ou L'Ancienne Inclination" without her knowledge or approval. This translation was carried out by Isabelle de Montolieu, who was known for her translations of English literature into French. Montolieu's approach to translation was not strictly literal; she often relied on assistants to provide summaries of the original texts, which she then embellished in her translations. This method resulted in a version of "Persuasion" that diverged from Austen's original narrative style and intent, leading to a unique interpretation of the story that reflected Montolieu's own literary sensibilities. The publication of this translation in France marked a significant moment in the international reception of Austen's work, as it introduced her writing to a new audience and contributed to her growing reputation beyond English-speaking countries.