La Correspondance de Pasquier Quesnel: Inventaire et Index Analytique, II: Index analytique by Joseph A. G. Tans, and H. Schmitz du Moulin (review)

116BOOK REVIEWS longevity. His own enthusiasm in presenting his case is a tribute to his dedication ; it also shows diat the most intricate issues can spark tiiose who take them to heart. Jacques M. Gres-Gayer The Catholic University ofAmerica La Correspondance de Pasquier Quesnel: Inventaire etIndex Analytique, II: Index analytique. 2 volumes. By Joseph A. G. Tans and H. Schmitz du Moulin. [Bibliodièque de la Revue d'Histoire ecclésiastique, Fascicules 77 and 78.] (Brussels: Éditions Nauwelaerts; Louvain: Bureau de la R.H.E. 1993- Pp. ix, 566; iv, 567-1175. Paperback.) In a review ofthe first volume ofthe inventory ofQuesnel's correspondence (ante, LXXVIII [July, 1992], 462), I expressed some frustration diat the actual documents would not be published. This frustration is partially abated by die quaUty of the analytical index prepared by H. Schmitz du Moulin and the late J. A. G. Tans. It is indeed a tribute to the lifelong dedication of the Dutch professor to provide for a better knowledge of this important figure of Jansenism . What makes this index so satisfactory is the precision of die entries by names, places, book titles, and themes. The references are given in chronological order, often distinguishing subthemes. An indication is usually given as to die identity of die names, which in itself is very useful. It is clear that the entire correspondence has been extracted in an inteUigent, exact way, and these indications reported in die index provide for a practical means to access Quesnel's letters. It seems that in order to avoid too many repetitions the editors have limited the number of references; it is useful, therefore, to cross-check keywords, as more information may be discerned in diis way. Each reference cites by number an entry in die inventaire, where the date and the name ofthe correspondent wiU be found. This may help die researcher to locate die document and eventuaUy be given access to it. As such, die Analytical Index offers a fascinating overview of die riches of Quesnel's correspondence, of die quantity and quality of his correspondents. It also gives a fairly precise idea of die content of diese letters, of die wealtii of information that can be extracted from them. More than ever it cries for an edition of this important corpus. Jacques M. Gres-Gayer The Catholic University ofAmerica ...