From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
An assignat is revolutionary paper money, denominated here in livres. The five-livre note paid for the generic volunteer drawing gives the supposedly unmarketable artist a small real return. In the shop, Élodie tests paper structure and watermarks because accepting a counterfeit threatens trade while passing it on can expose her to political accusation. Monetary value, authenticity and criminal suspicion therefore become distinct but connected problems. The narrative’s sweeping claims about foreign counterfeiting should not be turned into independently verified quantities.
Places to read
- Chapter II, paragraph 48Frenchun assignat de cinq livres: payment for a personally meaningful image. The country girl pays after identifying the volunteer as her fiancé.
- Chapter III, paragraph 4Frenchles assignats qu’elle venait de recevoir: notes requiring material inspection. Élodie checks paper marks against the light before locking them away.