Author
Stendhal
1783-1842
Stendhal (1783-1842) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Stendhal
The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830
"The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830" by Stendhal is a psychological novel published in 1830. It follows Julien Sorel, an ambitious young man from humble origins who attempts to climb France's rigid social hierarchy through talent, cunning, and deception. Navigating between church and aristocracy during the Bourbon Restoration, Julien engages in dangerous love affairs and political intrigue while confronting the hypocrisy of French society. This chronicle satirizes the materialism of the era, tracing how passion and ambition collide with class barriers in a world hostile to merit.
On Love
"On Love" by Stendhal is a philosophical work developed in 1822 that explores the psychology of falling in love. At its heart lies the concept of "crystallization"—a mental metamorphosis where lovers perceive their beloved through a transforming lens, discovering endless perfections that may be invisible to others. Inspired by a visit to Austrian salt mines, where bare branches become encrusted with dazzling crystals, Stendhal maps the journey from indifference to passionate love through stages of admiration, acknowledgement, hope, and delight.
Vie de Henri Brulard, tome 1
"Vie de Henri Brulard, tome 1" by Stendhal is an unfinished autobiographical work written in 1835-1836. At fifty, overlooking Rome, Stendhal reflects on his life—his loves, childhood, parents, and education in Grenoble. He seeks self-knowledge through what he calls an "archaeology of the self," tracing his hatred of hypocrisy, passion for mathematics, and love of Italy back to formative experiences. Through vivid visual memories and sketches, he explores how childhood shaped his character, creating an intimate portrait for his "happy few" readers.
Le rouge et le noir: chronique du XIXe siècle
"Le rouge et le noir: chronique du XIXe siècle" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1830. It follows Julien Sorel, an ambitious young man from provincial France who dreams of becoming a new Napoleon. Through his positions as tutor and secretary, he enters bourgeois and aristocratic society, where he becomes entangled in passionate affairs with two women: Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de La Mole. His rise from carpenter's son to nobleman tests the boundaries between ambition, hypocrisy, and authentic feeling in nineteenth-century France.
Souvenirs d'égotisme autobiographie et lettres inédites publiées par Casimir Stryienski
"Souvenirs d'égotisme" by Stendhal is an autobiographical work written in thirteen days in 1832. The unfinished memoir recounts the author's years in Paris and London from 1821 to 1830, following a painful departure from Italy and an unrequited love. With unflinching candor, Stendhal chronicles his literary struggles, social missteps, missed opportunities, and gradual recovery from heartbreak, while offering spirited portraits of notable contemporaries. The manuscript remained unpublished until 1892.
De l'Amour Édition revue et corrigée et précédée d'une étude sur les oeuvres de Stendhal par Sainte-Beuve
"De l'Amour" by Stendhal is an essay published in 1822. Under the guise of psychological and sociological analysis, Stendhal examines the nature of love while channeling his own unrequited passion. The work introduces his famous theory of "crystallization"—the idealization that occurs in romantic attraction. Divided into two books, it explores the stages of falling in love and compares courtship customs across nations, while critiquing marriage and advocating for women's education. Through philosophical inquiry, Stendhal transforms personal heartbreak into universal insight.
La vie de Rossini, tome II
"La vie de Rossini, tome II" by Stendhal is a biographical account written in the early 19th century. The work focuses on the life and artistic contributions of the composer Gioachino Rossini, delving into theatrical performances and highlighting various operatic works, such as "Cenerentola." Stendhal's observations provide insights into Rossini's musical style and the public's reception of his creations, presenting a distinct analysis of themes and characters within his operas. At the start of this volume, the author recounts his experience attending a performance of "Cenerentola" in Trieste, where he reflects on the quality of the singing and staging while grappling with his personal disappointment regarding the music's emotional resonance. He discusses how the opera's themes of vanity and social dynamics evoke a sense of detachment for him, contrasting the audience's joyous reaction. Stendhal articulates his views on music's ability to convey emotions, emphasizing that it should aspire to reach a "beau idéal." As he critiques the work's connection to societal vanity and offers introspective comments on Rossini's artistic choices, the opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the composer's legacy within the broader context of musical culture.
The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 1
"The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 1" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1839. It follows young Italian nobleman Fabrice del Dongo through the turmoil of the Napoleonic era, from his quixotic quest to join Napoleon at Waterloo to his entanglement in the intricate court politics of Parma. Alongside him moves his aunt Gina, whose passionate nature and alliance with the cunning Count Mosca draw Fabrice deeper into a world of ambition, forbidden romance, and dangerous conspiracies.
La vie de Rossini, tome I
"La vie de Rossini, tome I" by Stendhal is a biographical account written in the early 19th century. The work explores the life and significance of the Italian composer Gioachino Rossini, highlighting his influence on music and society during his time. It reflects not only on Rossini's musical genius but also on the cultural context of Italy and France in that era. The opening of "La vie de Rossini" introduces the reader to Stendhal's admiration for Rossini and sets the stage for an exploration of the musician's life, particularly from the late 18th century to 1819. Stendhal, through personal anecdotes and observations from his time in Italy, hints at the dynamic atmosphere surrounding Rossini's operas and his emerging prominence in the musical world. The text details Stendhal's early experiences with music, his interactions with other composers, and the evolving landscape of Italian opera leading up to Rossini's significance in it. As Stendhal delves into Rossini’s impact, readers gain insights into the intersections of art, emotion, and society that would define not just Rossini's work, but also Stendhal's own philosophies on music.
La Chartreuse De Parme
"La Chartreuse De Parme" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1839. Young Fabrice del Dongo witnesses Napoleon's armies liberating Milan, sparking dreams of heroic glory. He rushes to join Napoleon at Waterloo, only to discover modern warfare's chaotic absurdity. Banished from home for his loyalty to the fallen emperor, Fabrice seeks refuge at the court of Parma, where his aunt Gina and the powerful Count Mosca guide his unlikely transformation from aspiring soldier to religious figure amid political intrigue.
The Chartreuse of Parma Translated from the French of Stendhal (Henri Beyle)
"The Chartreuse of Parma" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1839. It follows the adventures of Fabrice del Dongo, a young Italian nobleman, from his birth in 1798 through the Napoleonic era and beyond. The story traces his quixotic journey to join Napoleon at Waterloo, his chaotic experience of battle, and his return to navigate the intrigues of Italian court life. Alongside him is his aunt Gina, whose passionate nature and complex relationship with Parma's Prime Minister shape Fabrice's fate in unexpected ways.
Histoire de la peinture en Italie
"Histoire de la peinture en Italie" by Stendhal is a work on Italian painting published in 1817. Originally conceived as a manual on Italian art, this ambitious book focuses exclusively on the Florentine school across seven books and 184 chapters. Rather than providing technical instruction, Stendhal teaches readers how to appreciate and feel art through personal commentary and digression. The work reveals his emerging literary style—conversational tone, narrative pleasure, and direct reader addresses—even before he wrote his first novel.
Vie de Henri Brulard, tome 2
"Vie de Henri Brulard, tome 2" by Stendhal is an unfinished autobiographical work written in 1835-1836. Approaching fifty, Stendhal reflects on his life from a Roman hillside, seeking self-knowledge through memory. He traces his character to childhood experiences: his hatred of monarchy and religion, his passion for Italy linked to his beloved mother, his love of mathematics and logic. Through vivid visual memories and sketches, he excavates the origins of who he became, creating an archaeology of the self.
The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 2
"The Charterhouse of Parma, Volume 2" by Stendhal is a novel published in 1839. This continuation follows young Italian nobleman Fabrice del Dongo as he navigates the treacherous court of Parma, where his devoted aunt Gina and her lover Count Mosca scheme to advance his ecclesiastical career. When Fabrice kills a man in self-defense and faces execution, political intrigue escalates. The novel explores forbidden passions, diplomatic maneuvering, and the corrupting nature of power in post-Napoleonic Italy.
La Duchesse De Palliano
"La Duchesse De Palliano" by Stendhal is a story published in 1838. Set in Renaissance Rome during 1559-1561, it recounts the tragic fall of the powerful Carafa family under Pope Paul IV. When the Duke of Paliano's beautiful wife is falsely accused of an affair with a devoted admirer, family honor demands a brutal response. Based on actual historical events, this dark chronicle explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge within the corrupt circles of papal power.
Lucien Leuwen; ou, l'Amarante et le Noir. Tome Second
"Lucien Leuwen; ou, l'Amarante et le Noir. Tome Second" by Stendhal is a novel written in 1834 but published posthumously in 1894. Young polytechnic student Lucien is expelled for republican sympathies and becomes a lieutenant in provincial France, where he falls for Madame de Chasteller, a royalist widow whose politics oppose his own. His father's influence later secures him a position manipulating legislative elections, plunging him into the cynical machinery of July Monarchy politics. The work remains unfinished, exploring disillusionment with post-Napoleonic military life and forbidden love across political divides.
Lucien Leuwen; ou, l'Amarante et le Noir. Tome Premier
"Lucien Leuwen; ou, l'Amarante et le Noir. Tome Premier" by Stendhal is an unfinished novel written in 1834. It follows Lucien, a Parisian banker's son expelled from military school for protesting, who joins the army and falls in love with a disdainful young widow in Nancy. After losing her, he returns to Paris to become a government minister's secretary. Stendhal abandoned the work, fearing his political satire would cost him his diplomatic position under the July Monarchy. The novel remained unpublished until 1894.
Vittoria Accoramboni
"Vittoria Accoramboni" by Stendhal is a chronicle published in 1837. Based on Italian manuscripts discovered in 1833, this work recounts the true story of a beautiful noblewoman in sixteenth-century Italy whose life becomes entangled with murder, powerful families, and forbidden love. When Vittoria's husband is assassinated and she marries the suspected mastermind—a wealthy duke—their union sparks outrage and forces them to flee. The tale follows passion, intrigue, and violence through Rome, Venice, and Padua, culminating in a deadly struggle over inheritance and revenge.
L'Abbesse De Castro
"L'Abbesse de Castro" by Stendhal is a novella published in 1839. Set in sixteenth-century Italy, this tale follows the forbidden romance between Elena di Campireali, a young woman of noble birth, and Giulio Branciforte, son of a brigand. Their passionate love faces violent family opposition, forced separation, and tragic misunderstandings. Years later, believing her lover dead, Elena becomes an abbess and enters a scandalous relationship that brings devastating consequences. Based on Renaissance-era documents Stendhal discovered during his Italian travels, this story explores love, revenge, and guilt against the backdrop of papal Rome.
Les Cenci
"Les Cenci" by Stendhal is a historical novel that was likely written in the early 19th century, reflecting the social and cultural tensions of the time. The book explores the tragic story of the Cenci family, particularly focusing on the themes of tyranny, patriarchal abuse, and the struggle for justice. Through its dramatic narrative, the novel delves into the darker aspects of human nature and societal norms of the late Renaissance in Italy. The storyline revolves around François Cenci, a wealthy and abusive nobleman whose despicable behavior leads his wife and daughter, Béatrix, to conspire against him. The narrative documents their oppressive life under Cenci's tyrannical reign, culminating in a desperate attempt to end his violence. The plot thickens as the women face the consequences of their actions, which results in their trial for parricide, drawing public attention and sympathy. The tale presents a stark portrayal of family dynamics entangled in violence and retribution, ultimately exploring the complex themes of innocence, guilt, and the quest for moral redress in a corrupt society.
Die Äbtissin von Castro
"Die Äbtissin von Castro" by Stendhal is a historical novella written during the early 19th century. The story explores themes of love and rivalry in the context of Roman nobility, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between the beautiful and devout Prinzessin Campobasso and her equally captivating cousin, Gräfin Orsini, set against the backdrop of their tangled love lives and societal pressures. At the start of the novella, we are introduced to the vibrant atmosphere of Rome in 1726, where the powerful and ornate life of the papal court plays a significant role. The narrative centers around the rivalry between Prinzessin Campobasso and Gräfin Orsini, both of whom vie for love and status, each showcasing their distinct personalities. The Campobasso, in the midst of a passionate affair with the young Chevalier von Sénecé, finds herself engulfed in the emotional turmoil of love and jealousy, especially when sensing Sénecé's lingering interest in her cousin Orsini. As the plot unfolds, the complexities of love, duty, and the consequences of rivalry take center stage, setting the stage for the ensuing drama.
Römerinnen: Zwei Novellen
"Römerinnen: Zwei Novellen" by Stendhal is a collection of novellas written in the early 19th century. This work intricately explores themes of love, betrayal, and the complex social fabric of Rome during its vibrant historical backdrop. The stories focus on strong female characters navigating their desires and societal expectations in a world filled with intrigue. The opening of the first novella, "Vanina Vanini," introduces us to a grand ball in Rome, hosted by the wealthy Duca di Bracciano, where the beautiful and proud Vanina captures everyone's attention. Amidst the festivities, we learn of her disdain for Roman society and her troubled relationship with her father, Prince Hasdrubal Vanini, who desires her to marry a prestigious suitor. Vanina's fascination with a wounded young Carbonaro, who has escaped from prison, leads her into a deep emotional conflict, particularly as she discovers secret ties between her family and the world of political rebellion. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of love's tumultuous nature and the social constraints that challenge personal desires.
Vanina Vanini; Pallianon herttuatar: Kaksi kertomusta
"Vanina Vanini; Pallianon herttuatar: Kaksi kertomusta" by Stendhal is a collection of tales published in 1829. The title story follows a wealthy Roman princess who falls in love with a young Carbonari revolutionary in early nineteenth-century Italy. As political passion and romantic devotion collide, Vanina must choose between her love and his dedication to the fight for Italian independence. When she makes a desperate decision to keep him safe, the consequences threaten to destroy everything between them.