The Abbé Jean Paulmier and French Missions in the Terres australes : Myth and History

Abstract

This introductory essay presents the debate focused on the Abbe Jean Paulmier's 'Memoires touchant l'establissement d'une mission chrestienne dans le troisieme Monde, Autrement appelle, La Terre Australe, Meridionale, Antartique, and Inconnue,' published in 1664. The Abbe claims to be descended from a native of the 'Terres Australes', Essomericq, brought to France by the explorer Gonneville in 1505. Based on this contention, the Abbe argues that the French should return to the country discovered by Gonneville and evangelise it. Recent scholarship has come increasingly to question the authenticity of Gonneville and his voyage, as well as Paulmier's genealogy. This article sets out the details of the debate and adds new elements to it, paving the way for the articles which follow, both on the Gonneville controversy and on the beginning of French missionary activity in the Pacific Ocean.