"The Trial of Gilles de Rais" is a historical work on which the French philosopher Georges Bataille worked in the last years of his life. The figure Bataille chose to study is widely known: Marshal of France Gilles de Rais, an associate of Joan of Arc, was accused of numerous child murders and devil worship and executed in 1440. The fate of Gilles de Rais became material for folklore (he is considered the prototype of the villain from the tales of Bluebeard), and inspired decadents at the end of the 19th century, but before Bataille there were few attempts to study it from the point of view of historical science. A significant part of the book is occupied by the protocols of the trial of Gilles de Rais that took place in Nantes in 1440, which were translated from Latin by the writer and philosopher Pierre Klossowski. Bataille compiled a detailed chronological outline of his hero’s life; Of particular interest is the first part of the book, in which the philosopher analyzes heroism and villainy, united in one character. Contents: Preface The tragedy of Gilles de Rais

Analysis of historical data Various problems and historical data

Documents of the trial Gilles de RaisEcclesiastical courtPreliminary documentsProtocols of hearingsTestimony of witnessesSecular courtSemi-official report on the judicial investigationInvestigation of the Duke of Breton's commissionersProtocols of the last days

From the translator