Author
Marcel Schwob
1867-1905
Marcel Schwob (1867-1905) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Marcel Schwob
Vies imaginaires
"Vies imaginaires" by Marcel Schwob is a collection of twenty-two semi-biographical short stories published in 1896. Blending historical facts with fantastical elements, these biographical fictions reimagine the lives of obscure and famous figures alike. This pioneering work helped establish biographical fiction as a genre and profoundly influenced Jorge Luis Borges, who translated one story and drew inspiration for his own Universal History of Infamy. Schwob transforms biography into an art of creative reinvention.
La porte des rêves
"La porte des rêves" by Marcel Schwob is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The work combines fantasy and symbolism, exploring themes of dreams, nature, and the intangible connections between lives through various characters and narratives. The opening of this collection introduces a tumultuous maritime scene where a group of men aboard a ship is navigating through stormy waters. The ship is laden with the aftermath of a recent battle, and the crew, appearing both despondent and contemplative, engages in a somber division of loot. This scene unfolds into a moment where they encounter a mysterious elderly man playing the flute, whose music evokes profound emotions and reflections on life, death, and the futility of their violent existence. The haunting melody becomes a catalyst for the crew's introspection, ultimately leading to a powerful moment of realization about the lost potential for creation amidst their destructive lives.
Le Roi au Masque d'Or
"Le Roi au Masque d'Or" by Marcel Schwob is a collection of fantastical tales published in 1893. In the title story, a king and his subjects live in a court where everyone wears masks by ancient decree—no one has ever seen a human face. When a blind beggar challenges the king's knowledge of himself and his people, the monarch orders all masks removed, uncovering a shocking truth about his lineage. The collection explores themes of hidden identities and concealed realities through mysterious and unsettling narratives.
Spicilège
"Spicilège" by Marcel Schwob is a literary work written in the late 19th century. The text delves into the life and legacy of the French poet François Villon, examining his influences, contemporary references, and the socio-historical context in which he lived. This exploration reveals Villon's profound impact on poetry, distinguishing him through his unique style and emotional depth, all while unraveling the complexities of his existence marked by misfortune and tumult. The opening of "Spicilège" presents an in-depth analysis of François Villon, tracing the roots of his literary fame back to the late 15th century and highlighting his connections to notable figures like Rabelais and Marot. The text meticulously details his uncertain origins, his upbringing under the care of Guillaume de Villon, and his tumultuous life filled with crime and exile. It sets the stage for a reflective exploration of Villon’s struggles, his academic life at the University of Paris, and the vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere of 15th-century Paris, ultimately positioning him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern literature.
Le livre de Monelle
"Le livre de Monelle" by Marcel Schwob is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores deep themes such as identity, compassion, and the transitory nature of human connections, as seen through the perspective of the enigmatic character Monelle. The narrative delves into the complexities of life, love, and loss through various evocative stories intertwined with Monelle’s philosophical reflections. The opening of the novel introduces Monelle, who encounters a narrator wandering through a plain. Their conversation reveals Monelle's dual nature – a being that embodies both presence and absence. She speaks of loneliness, fleeting connections, and compassion, referring to the tender yet tragic lives of young women, likened to "small prostitutes," who come forth for a brief moment to offer solace. As she shares poignant tales of historical figures like Napoleon and Dostoevsky, Monelle emphasizes the impermanence of human experiences and the necessity of destruction for rebirth, setting the stage for the philosophical exploration that will unfold throughout the novel.
Oeuvres de Marcel Schwob. Volume 2 of 2, La lampe de Psyché; Il libro della mia memoria
"Oeuvres de Marcel Schwob. Volume 2 of 2, La lampe de Psyché; Il libro della mia…." is a collection of poetic and philosophical works written in the late 19th century. It delves into deep explorations of themes of life, death, myth, and desire through richly embellished narratives. The opening portion introduces readers to a dreamlike world filled with mythical figures, such as Psyche, and reflects on the nature of existence through an imaginative lens. At the start of this volume, the narrative unfolds with a poetic prologue where the speaker encounters a spectral figure from the past, signaling the beginning of a journey into the depths of memories and thoughts surrounding existence. The sections that follow present a series of mimes, which are intriguing vignettes that intertwine the mundane and the ethereal. Through vibrant imagery, characters are introduced, including a poet, a cook, and various mythic figures, revealing a tapestry of interactions infused with longing and the search for meaning amid the simplicity of daily life. This opening effectively sets the tone for a profound exploration of human emotions, desires, and the haunting remnants of memory.
Oeuvres de Marcel Schwob. Volume 1 of 2, Spicilège
"Oeuvres de Marcel Schwob. Volume 1 of 2, Spicilège" by Marcel Schwob is a literary collection written in the early 20th century. The work presents a compendium of writings exploring the lives and ideas of various literary figures, such as François Villon and Robert-Louis Stevenson, as well as thematic reflections on love, art, and philosophy. This volume appears to delve into the intricate relationships between these figures, intertwining their legacies with broader reflections on human existence and creativity. The opening of this collection introduces the famed French poet François Villon, establishing his significance in literature from the late 15th century. It discusses his reputation and influence, mentioning key figures who admired him and the scant biographical details available about his life. Schwob contemplates Villon's tumultuous existence, revolving around themes of poverty, criminality, and artistic expression, while hinting at the poet's role during a chaotic period in Paris. This section serves as both an introduction to Villon’s legacy and an invitation to explore the poet's complex exploration of life and despair through his work.
Der Kinderkreuzzug
"Der Kinderkreuzzug" by Marcel Schwob is a historical narrative written in the early 20th century. The book recounts a poignant episode from the past, specifically focusing on a misguided children's crusade in the medieval era, where thousands of children set off on an ill-fated journey to reclaim the Holy Land. Schwob's work blends elements of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of innocence, faith, and the tragic consequences of idealism. In this tale, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including a leper, a Goliard, and a papal figure, who observe the fervent yet naïve children as they embark on their quest for Jerusalem. Each character reflects on the innocence of the children and the folly of their journey, highlighting the stark realities they face. The children, driven by visions and voices, march along, holding makeshift crosses and calling for their savior, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Throughout the story, Schwob captures the bittersweet essence of childhood faith and the harsh truths of the world, ultimately illustrating the tragic fate that awaits these innocent souls.
Das Buch von Monelle
"Das Buch von Monelle" by Marcel Schwob is a work published in 1894. The book centers on Monelle, a literary incarnation of Louise, a young woman who died of tuberculosis at age twenty-five. Considered the unofficial bible of French Symbolism, it blends prose poetry, parables, and short stories about marginalized young girls who embody innocence and contradiction. The work's three distinct sections are unified by Monelle's presence, creating Schwob's most cohesive achievement. Biblical references and fairy tale reinterpretations permeate its prophetic language.