Two Unpublished Letters of Jean Basset: A Young French Missionary Sent to Siam in 1685

Author:

Pennéguès, Maëlle

Format:

Journal Article

Year:

2024

Journal Title:

Journal of the Siam Society

Volume:

112

Language:

English

Abstract:

This notice presents two previously unpublished letters by Jean Basset (1661‒1707), a young French Catholic missionary, written during his 1685 journey to Siam, as discussed in the previous issue of this journal. These letters offer valuable insights into Basset’s experiences and mindset as a newly dispatched missionary to Asia. Through his correspondence with his former superior, the letters provide a rare glimpse into the challenges he faced, the practical aspects of his advanced training, his relationship with peers including the Jesuits, and his adaptation to life both during the sea journey and in the new mission land. 

Who (Jesuits):

Basset, Jean, 1662–1707

What (Subjects):

Missions -- Evangelization -- Strategies

Where (Locations):

Asia -- Thailand

When (Centuries):

17th century

Other link:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387071684_Two_Unpublished_Letters_of_Jean_Basset_A_Young_French_Missionary_Sent_to_Siam_in_1685

Page Range:

179-202

ISSN:

0304226X

DOI:

10.69486/112.2.2024.11