Author
Madame de (Anne-Louise-Germaine) Staël
1766-1817
Madame de (Anne-Louise-Germaine) Staël (1766-1817) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Madame de (Anne-Louise-Germaine) Staël
Corinne; or, Italy
"Corinne; or, Italy" by Madame de Staël is a novel published in 1807. It tells the love story between Corinne, a brilliant Italian poet, and Lord Oswald Nelvil, a melancholy Scottish nobleman haunted by his father's death. As Corinne guides Oswald through Rome and Naples, they fall deeply in love while exploring Italy's art, history, and culture. Yet both harbor secret fears that threaten their happiness, and Oswald struggles with the suspicion that his late father would disapprove of their relationship.
De l'Allemagne; t.1
"De l'Allemagne; t.1" by Madame de Staël is a literary and philosophical essay written between 1810-1814. This work presents a passionate defense of German culture, exploring everything from geography and society to literature, arts, philosophy, and religion. Written during Staël's exile under Napoleon, the original edition was seized and destroyed by imperial censors. The essay challenges French conventions, advocating for emotional expression and philosophical renewal through engagement with German thought, including detailed examinations of Kant, Goethe, and Schiller.
Corinne; Or, Italy. Volume 1 (of 2)
"Corinne; Or, Italy. Volume 1 (of 2)" by Madame de Staël is a novel published in 1807. It tells the passionate love story between Corinne, a celebrated Italian poet, and Lord Oswald Nelvil, a melancholic Scottish nobleman haunted by guilt over his father's death. As Corinne guides Oswald through Italy's ancient wonders, their deepening romance is shadowed by profound fears and mysterious secrets that threaten their happiness. The novel weaves together love, art, and cultural exploration against Italy's magnificent backdrop.
De l'Allemagne; t. 2
"De l'Allemagne; t. 2" by Madame de Staël is a literary and philosophical essay published in 1813. This ambitious work explores German culture, literature, arts, philosophy, and religion, offering French readers a comprehensive introduction to a world beyond the Rhine. Staël champions German intellectual achievements while critiquing French rationalism's suppression of sentiment and enthusiasm. Censored by Napoleon and destroyed in 1810, the work finally appeared after his fall. Through detailed examinations of thinkers like Kant, Goethe, and Schiller, she advocates for renewed sensibility and freedom of expression.
Delphine
"Delphine" by Madame de Staël is a novel published in 1802. Written in epistolary form, it explores the constraints on women's freedom in aristocratic society during the French Revolution. The story follows Delphine d'Albémar, a young widow who arranges a marriage between her cousin Matilde and Léonce de Mondoville—only to fall tragically in love with Léonce herself. The controversial novel, which addresses divorce, emigration, and political liberalism, prompted Napoleon to exile the author from Paris.
Signora Fantastici (A Dramatic Proverb)
"Signora Fantastici (A Dramatic Proverb)" by Madame de Staël is a dramatic play written in the early 19th century. The work unfolds in a town in the German parts of Switzerland and revolves around the dynamics of a family, particularly the influence of the charming character Signora Fantastici on the lives of the de Kriegschenmahl family. The play explores themes of artistic expression versus conventional living, and the transformative power of creativity and imagination. The narrative follows Mr. and Mrs. de Kriegschenmahl and their two sons, Licidas and Rodolphe, as they navigate the upheaval caused by the arrival of Signora Fantastici and her daughter, Zepherina. Licidas is captivated by Signora Fantastici and her artistic life, which contrasts starkly with the mundane lives led by his parents. He expresses a desire to leave with her to Italy, an aspiration met with parental disapproval. Meanwhile, Rodolphe is swept into a playful interaction with Zepherina, leading to further complications. Ultimately, Signora Fantastici's charisma challenges the stifling norms of the de Kriegschenmahl household, prompting both humorous and poignant revelations about the importance of poetry, art, and the liberation from societal expectations. The play concludes with a celebration of the triumph of imagination and creativity over the dullness of routine.
Réflexions sur le suicide
"Réflexions sur le Suicide" by Madame de Staël is a philosophical treatise written in the early 19th century. This work deeply explores the complex topic of suicide, reflecting on its moral, psychological, and societal implications. De Staël presents a nuanced view of suffering, urging readers to consider the reasons that might lead individuals to such drastic actions, contrasting them against the values of resilience and moral duty. At the start of the text, the author addresses the Prince Royal of Sweden, explaining that her reflections arise from her own experiences of suffering and a desire to fortify herself through contemplation. She asserts the importance of writing for those who endure hardships, as it provides a refuge for reflection. De Staël emphasizes the profound connection between suffering and the human soul, analyzing the reasons behind suicide and advocating for an understanding grounded in compassion rather than judgment. She prepares to discuss the influence of suffering, the laws of Christian morality regarding suicide, and the inherent dignity of the human spirit, setting the stage for a thorough philosophical inquiry into the act of taking one's life.
Corinne; ou, l'Italie Nouvelle édition revue avec soin et précédée d'observations par Mme Necker de Saussure et M. Sainte-Beuve de l'Académie française
"Corinne; ou, l'Italie" by Madame de Staël is a novel published in 1807. It tells the love story between Corinne, a celebrated Italian poetess, and Lord Oswald Nelvil, a melancholic Scottish nobleman traveling through Italy. As Corinne guides Oswald through Rome's monuments and culture, their growing attraction confronts the tension between Italian freedom and English propriety. Both harbor mysterious reasons for resisting their feelings, setting the stage for a romance shadowed by secrets and conflicting worlds.
Ten Years' Exile Memoirs of That Interesting Period of the Life of the Baroness De Stael-Holstein, Written by Herself, during the Years 1810, 1811, 1812, and 1813, and Now First Published from the Original Manuscript, by Her Son.
"Ten Years' Exile" by Madame de Staël is a memoir written in the early 19th century. This work chronicles the author’s personal experiences during a tumultuous period marked by political upheaval, particularly the era of Napoleon’s power in France and her own exiles. The memoir is informed by de Staël's reflections on liberty, her relationships, and her struggles against tyranny, as well as her insights on broader societal issues. The opening of the memoir introduces readers to the context of Madame de Staël's life during her exiles and the oppressive atmosphere of Napoleon's regime. The narrative begins with her reflections on the animosity she faced from Napoleon, stemming from her dedication to real liberty and her refusal to submit to his tyranny. As de Staël recounts her experiences, she reflects on her connections with prominent figures of the time, including her interactions with Bonaparte’s family and her involvement in intellectual circles. She conveys the heavy burden of her persecution and the impact of her socio-political environment on her personal life, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration of her character and the historical context she navigates throughout her memoir.
De l'influence des passions sur le bonheur des individus et des nations
"De l'influence des passions sur le bonheur des individus et des nations" by Staël is a philosophical treatise written in the late 18th century. The work examines the complex relationship between human passions, and their effects on individual and collective happiness, particularly in the political sphere. The author reflects on the societal and individual challenges posed by passions and aims to offer insights on achieving a state of happiness amid political turmoil. The opening of the work introduces Staël's exploration of how human passions, which can easily become overpowering, hinder both personal and political happiness. Staël contextualizes her reflections within the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, indicating that the pursuit of happiness requires a careful analysis of human emotions and their influence on governance. In this initial portion, she outlines the scope of her inquiry into the nature of happiness itself while emphasizing the necessity of understanding and perhaps controlling one's passions to attain both individual and societal well-being.