Author
André Gide
1869-1951
André Gide (1869-1951) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by André Gide
Dostoevsky
"Dostoevsky" by André Gide is a work of literary criticism and biographical essays written in the early 20th century. It probes the life, thought, and artistry of Fyodor Dostoevsky, arguing for his primacy as a psychologist and moral visionary whose fiction wrestles with inner, spiritual conflicts rather than merely social ones. The focus is on how Dostoevsky’s characters embody living problems—religious, ethical, and existential—rendered with vivid humanity rather than abstract doctrine. The opening of this study presents Arnold Bennett’s introduction praising Gide’s insight and situating the book as a landmark in understanding Russian psychology, followed by a translator’s note explaining its origins as 1922 lectures and the sources quoted. Gide’s preface defends Dostoevsky against Western charges of irrationality, stressing his concern with the individual’s relation to self and God, the lifelike fluidity of his characters, and the uncompromising labor behind his art. In a long section drawn from correspondence, Gide sketches Dostoevsky’s aversion to letter-writing, lifelong poverty, humility in begging for help, ferocious work ethic and revisions, debilitating epilepsy, gambling and debts, intense family duties, and a worldview mixing Russian nationalism with a universal mission, Orthodoxy with a Christ-centered humanism, and individualism joined to self-sacrifice—all of which left him outside parties and programs. At the start of the addresses, Gide contrasts Rousseau’s self-conscious pose with Dostoevsky’s unposed humility, then recounts the youthful bohemian years, arrest in the Petrashevsky affair, mock execution, and Siberian exile, quoting letters that vividly depict the journey, brutal prison conditions, and the convict’s resilient hope and compassion he both received and offered.
Oscar Wilde, a study
"Oscar Wilde, a study by André Gide" is a critical examination of the life and works of the renowned playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, authored by the French writer André Gide. This book is a literary biography that investigates Wilde's literary contributions and personal experiences, particularly focusing on the tragic circumstances of his later life. Written in the early 20th century, it reflects on Wilde's time during the Victorian era and the societal implications of his struggles as a flamboyant literary figure. In this engaging account, Gide delves into Wilde's early brilliance, his rise to fame, and the eventual downfall following his imprisonment for "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships. Through an intimate lens, Gide recounts personal anecdotes and explores the dichotomy between Wilde's public persona and private despair. The study also evaluates Wilde's major works, highlighting themes of beauty, truth, and morality, ultimately portraying him as a tragic figure whose life became a poignant commentary on societal hypocrisy and the struggle for personal freedom in a repressive culture. Gide's narrative serves not only to honor Wilde's legacy but also to grapple with the complexities of his existence as an artist and a man.
Dostoïevsky (Articles et Causeries)
"Dostoïevsky (Articles et Causeries)" by André Gide is a collection of essays and reflections written in the early 20th century. The work critically examines the life and literary contributions of the renowned Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, delving into themes of psychology, morality, and the human condition. Through this compilation, Gide aims to illuminate the complexities of Dostoevsky’s character and ideas, showcasing the enduring relevance of his work in contemporary thought. The opening of this collection introduces the fundamental themes that will be explored throughout, notably Dostoevsky's profound impact on understanding human psychology, as acknowledged by contemporaries like Nietzsche. Gide reflects on the initial hesitations of his readership in accepting Dostoevsky's work due to its intricate themes and heavy depictions of despair. He underscores Dostoevsky's personal struggles, emphasizing the direct correlation between his tumultuous life experiences and his writing. The passage sets the stage for Gide’s in-depth analysis of Dostoevsky’s correspondence, offering a glimpse into the author’s candid emotions and relentless pursuit of artistic integrity amidst financial and existential hardships.
Prétextes: Réflexions sur quelques points de littérature et de morale
"Prétextes: Réflexions sur quelques points de littérature et de morale" by André Gide is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book explores various themes regarding literature, morality, and the influences that shape an individual’s thoughts and artistic expression. Through his reflections, Gide discusses the relationship between the author and their influences, as well as the consequences of societal norms on personal development. The opening of "Prétextes" consists of Gide's first conference titled "De l'influence en Littérature," in which he defends the concept of influence in artistic creation. He posits that all individuals are susceptible to various influences, which can either enhance or constrict their potential. Gide emphasizes that influences are not inherently good or bad; rather, they depend on the nature of the individual receiving them. He recalls Goethe’s experiences with influence and insists that the ability to be affected by external forces shows an openness to growth, arguing against the modern fear of losing one's individuality through external influences. The chapter establishes a critical framework for understanding how external elements contribute to artistic creation and personal identity, preparing readers for the broader discussions that will follow in the collection.
The counterfeiters : $b (Les faux-monnayeurs)
"The counterfeiters : (Les faux-monnayeurs) by André Gide is a novel written in the early 20th century. A polyphonic coming‑of‑age story set in Paris, it intertwines the lives of youths, writers, and worldly schemers to examine authenticity, moral compromise, and the forging of identity. Early focal figures include the defiant student Bernard Profitendieu, his sensitive friend Olivier Molinier, the literary uncle Edouard, and the calculating aristocrat Robert de Passavant. The opening follows Bernard as he discovers a hidden letter proving his illegitimacy, coolly abandons his bourgeois home, and secretly spends the night in Olivier’s room near the Luxembourg Gardens. At home, Judge Profitendieu reels from Bernard’s scathing farewell and shields the rest of the family with a lie, while his wife’s guilt resurfaces. In hushed, nocturnal talks, Bernard and Olivier trade confidences—Olivier’s awkward first sexual encounter and suspicions about their older brother Vincent’s entanglement with a woman. The scene shifts to Vincent, who, burdened by his pregnant lover Laura, is drawn into the orbit of the suave Passavant and the seductive Lady Lilian; a night of gambling brings Vincent a sudden windfall even as Passavant’s father dies upstairs and a younger brother keeps vigil. At dawn, Bernard slips out into Paris with only a few coins, buoyed by hunger, freedom, and the promise of “adventure.”
The Vatican swindle : $b (Les caves du Vatican)
"The Vatican Swindle" by André Gide is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set during the pontificate of Leo XIII, it primarily revolves around the character Anthime Armand-Dubois, a freethinking scientist who embodies themes of disbelief and human curiosity, particularly in the context of religious orthodoxy and hypocrisy. The novel explores his complex interactions with family members and the societal pressures of the time, likely weaving through notions of faith, scandal, and the individual’s quest for meaning. At the start of the narrative, Anthime travels to Rome for medical treatment, accompanied by his devout wife Veronica and his concerned brother-in-law, Julius. Their contrasting views on faith become evident, setting the stage for familial conflict, as Veronica hopes for Anthime's religious conversion while he remains defiantly atheist. The couple's domestic life is depicted with subtle tensions as they coexist in their shared space, while young Beppo, the street-smart procurer, begins to intrude upon their lives as a vehicle for Anthime's scientific experiments on living creatures. Simultaneously, the arrival of another family, the Baragliouls, introduces additional layers of complexity to the unfolding drama, hinting at a blend of humor and tragedy in the quest for understanding one’s place in a world marked by both enlightenment and faith.
L'immoraliste
"L'immoraliste" by André Gide is a novel published in 1902. It follows Michel, a scholarly man who marries without love and contracts tuberculosis during his honeymoon in North Africa. His brush with death awakens a new awareness of his body and sensual existence. As Michel transforms into a vital, self-focused man, his devoted wife Marceline grows weaker. The story traces his moral inversion and its consequences, exploring themes of individualism, desire, and the cost of self-discovery.
Les Caves du Vatican
"Les Caves du Vatican" by André Gide is a novel published in 1914. Gide classified this work as a "sotie"—a deliberately disjointed narrative that weaves together multiple plotlines and characters. The story follows a Catholic traditionalist and his freethinking brother-in-law, a band of swindlers spreading rumors about the Pope being imprisoned in the Vatican's cellars, and young Lafcadio, captivated by his mystique of the gratuitous act. This tale explores the folly of certain intellectual commitments and the gravity of their consequences.
Philoctète : $b Le traité du Narcisse. La tentation amoureuse. El Hadj
"Philoctète : Le traité du Narcisse. La tentation amoureuse. El Hadj" by André Gide is a multi-part work that appears to be a blend of philosophical treatise and dramatic narrative, written in the late 19th century. The book primarily revolves around themes of morality and human desire, exploring complex emotional and ethical dilemmas through the lens of its characters, particularly focusing on Philoctète and his interactions with Ulysse and Néoptolème. The opening of the work introduces us to a cold, desolate island where the characters Ulysse and Néoptolème are preparing to confront Philoctète, a warrior abandoned by his comrades due to a grievous wound. As they discuss their mission—to retrieve Philoctète's powerful bow for the sake of their homeland—the tension rises around themes of betrayal, duty, and the essence of virtue. Néoptolème grapples with the moral implications of their plan, expressing reluctance to deceive a man in distress, while Ulysse counters that the greater good of their homeland justifies the deception. The stage is thus set for a deeper exploration of ethical conduct and the complexity of human relationships as the characters navigate their desires and obligations.
Prometheus Illbound
"Prometheus Illbound" by André Gide is a philosophical novel written during the early 20th century. This work grapples with themes of human existence, self-awareness, and the effects of one's actions and ideas on themselves and others. It follows the titular character, Prometheus, as he interacts with various symbols of humanity's struggles and delusions, particularly concerning the nature of sacrifice and the burdens we bear due to societal expectations. The story unfolds as Prometheus, after a series of surreal and humorous encounters with different characters in Paris, finds himself imprisoned for making matches without a license. Within the confines of his solitary existence, he contemplates the nature of his "eagle," representing deeper human desires and ambitions that consume individuals, often at the expense of genuine happiness. The narrative subsequently weaves through the lives of Damocles and Cocles, who grapple with their own personal dilemmas stemming from Prometheus’ actions. Gide artfully illustrates the complexities of human relationships and the philosophy of gratuitous acts, making a poignant commentary on morality and the conflicts between self-determination and the deterministic forces of society.
Souvenirs de la Cour d'Assises
"Souvenirs de la Cour d'Assises" by André Gide is a reflective account written in the early 20th century. This work presents an introspective exploration of the judicial system, emphasizing the complexities and contradictions within the justice process. The narrative centers around the experiences of the author as juror, detailing the various trials he witnesses and the ethical dilemmas surrounding concepts of guilt and innocence. The opening of the text introduces Gide's fascination with courtrooms and the act of rendering justice, highlighting his initial idealism. As he takes his place within the jury, he becomes increasingly aware of the tensions between the ideals of justice and the realities of the judicial proceedings. Through his observations of different cases, including petty crimes and serious offenses, Gide reflects on the diverse backgrounds of the jurors and defendants, their interactions, and the frustrating yet profound nature of truth and moral responsibility that emerges within the courtroom walls. This portion sets the stage for an in-depth examination of the justice system, combining personal reflection with social commentary.
Isabelle
"Isabelle" by André Gide is a novella published in 1911. A young Parisian scholar conducting literary research at a remote château falls in love with the portrait of Isabelle de Saint-Auréol. As he investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the absent woman, he pieces together a troubling past involving forbidden love, tragedy, and dark secrets. When Isabelle finally appears, reality shatters his romantic illusions. Gide called this work a "sottie"—a tale of folly—chronicling one man's descent from scholarly detachment into foolish obsession.
Der König Candaules: Drama in drei Akten
"Der König Candaules: Drama in drei Akten" by André Gide is a drama written in 1899. King Candaules allows the fisherman Gyges to secretly enter his wife Nyssias's bedchamber using a magic ring that makes him invisible. Gyges spends the night with the queen, who believes her husband is with her. When she discovers the deception, she demands revenge. Based on ancient Greek sources, this story explores themes of voyeurism, betrayal, and shame, and later inspired the psychological term "candaulism."