The Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davis focusses on the history that took place in South-Western/Central France during the 1500’s. The book discusses farming and economic conditions in the area during the time and also tells about the drama and scandal of Martin Guerre’s imposter Armand de Tilh.
We are told that Martin Daguerre was born in Hendaye, but raised in Artigat where the family changed their name to Guerre. Martin later married Bertrande de Rols from a well-off family at approximately 14 years old. After being accused of stealing grain from his father, MArtin disappeared to Spain where he was put into the Army. The church did not allow Bertrande to remarry so she was left alone with their child. Eight or so years later Armand de Tilh came to Artigat and heard about the missing Martin.
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Armand lived as “Martin” for three years and hade two children with Bertrande, with only one surviving infancy, when Martin’s father died. Armand then sued Pierre Guerre, Martin’s uncle’ for more of the inheritance. The uncle became suspicious of Armand and tried to convince Bertrande along with his wife, however in fear of being accused and of adultery, Bertrande defended Armand and stuck by his side as he was acquitted for imitating Martin. Pierre however, got Bertrande to support a charge against Armand that put him on trial in Rieux. During the trial, both Armand and Bertrande gave individual and identical stories. After hearing from more than 150 witnesses including those who supported Armand as Martin and those who knew his fraudulence, Armand was convicted of being an imposter and sentenced to