Subject
French literature -- 19th century Books
Best books
Charles Baudelaire
Baudelaire: His Prose and Poetry
"Baudelaire: His Prose and Poetry" edited by T. R. Smith is a collection of works by the influential French poet Charles Baudelaire, compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology includes Baudelaire's renowned prose poems, as well as selections from his groundbreaking verses such as "The Flowers of Evil." The collection delves into themes of beauty, decadence, and the complexities of human experience, presenting Baudelaire as a central figure in modern literature whose style laid the groundwork for Symbolism and later poetic movements. The opening of the anthology sets a contemplative tone, beginning with a poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne dedicated to Baudelaire's memory. It reflects on themes of loss, beauty, the passage of time, and the artist's struggle with existential despair. Following this tribute, the editor provides a preface that outlines Baudelaire's significance, emphasizing his philosophical insights into art and emotion that challenge conventional morality and beauty. Additionally, the opening portion introduces various prose poems that capture the depth of Baudelaire's perception, exploring the intricacies of love, longing, and the interplay between reality and illusion.
Honoré de Balzac
Droll Stories — Complete Collected from the Abbeys of Touraine
"Droll Stories — Complete" by Honoré de Balzac is a collection of humorous short stories published in three groups between 1832 and 1837. Inspired by Boccaccio's "Decameron" and written in pastiche Renaissance French, these ribald tales explore medieval and Renaissance France with startling directness and sexual frankness. Balzac envisioned one hundred stories but completed only thirty, creating what he called an "arabesque" around his serious fiction. The tales evoke a golden age of French character while offering provocative commentary on history, morality, and society through archaic language and remote settings.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 01
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 01" by Guy de Maupassant is a comprehensive collection of literary works written in the late 19th century. This volume serves as an introduction to Maupassant’s oeuvre, featuring his famous short story "Boule de Suif," alongside biographical insights and critical analysis. The text delves into themes of human nature, social critique, and the author's experiences which inspired his writing. The opening of this collection features an editor's note explaining the publication's intent, emphasizing fidelity to the original text and outlining its structure. It includes a biography of Maupassant, detailing his early life, influences, and literary career, particularly his collaboration with noted writers such as Gustave Flaubert. The narrative begins to sketch Maupassant's rise to literary prominence following the publication of "Boule de Suif," highlighting how this story marked a pivotal moment in his journey as a recognized author. Through this context, readers gain insight into both the personal and societal reflections embedded in Maupassant's works.
Gustave Flaubert
Œuvres complètes de Gustave Flaubert, tome 6: Trois contes, suivis de mélanges inédits
"Œuvres complètes de Gustave Flaubert, tome 6: Trois contes, suivis de mélanges…" by Gustave Flaubert is a collection of three novellas published in 1877. This work, which took nearly thirty years to complete, became Flaubert's final finished literary achievement. The collection spans three distinct historical periods: a medieval saint's legend, a contemporary portrait of a devoted servant's simple life in Normandy, and an ancient tale of Saint John the Baptist's beheading. Each story explores profound human devotion through different lenses of faith and sacrifice.
Arthur Rimbaud
Oeuvres de Arthur Rimbaud: Vers et proses Revues sur les manuscrits originaux et les premières éditions mises en ordre et annotées par Paterne Berrichon; poèmes retrouvés
"Oeuvres de Arthur Rimbaud: Vers et Proses" by Arthur Rimbaud is a collection of poetry and prose written in the late 19th century. This work showcases Rimbaud's innovative and often revolutionary approach to literature, exploring themes of desire, spirituality, nature, and the human condition. As a significant figure in French literature, Rimbaud's work often reflects his tumultuous life and profound insights into existence, making it a critical study for those interested in poetry and artistic expression. The opening of the collection features a preface that provides a vivid portrayal of Rimbaud as a mystical and enigmatic figure, emphasizing the intensity of his experiences and the uniqueness of his voice. The preface reflects on Rimbaud's brief but impactful literary career, categorizing his works into various periods marked by different styles and themes, including violence and visionary experimentation. It highlights the profound emotional depth in his poems, illustrated by references to his life circumstances and creative evolution, and establishes the groundwork for understanding Rimbaud’s innovative use of language and metaphor as the reader delves into his actual verses.
Gérard de Nerval
Le rêve et la vie - Les filles du feu - La bohème galante
"Le rêve et la vie - Les filles du feu - La bohème galante" by Gérard de Nerval is a collection of poetic essays and narrative reflections written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into themes of dreams, love, and the metaphysical aspect of existence, with a focus on the author's complex relationship with a woman named Aurélia. The text explores the intersection of reality and dreams, revealing the inner workings of the mind and the emotional turmoil associated with love and loss. The opening of the collection introduces the concept of dreams as a second life, where the author grapples with feelings of loss following Aurélia's departure from his life. He reflects on personal struggles with emotional attachment and the desire to escape into dreamy reveries, suggesting a profound connection between the conscious and unconscious realms. The narrative intertwines elements of mysticism, philosophy, and personal memoir, as Nerval prepares to share an introspective journey that contemplates the nature of existence, the afterlife, and the interplay of memory and reality.
Gustave Flaubert
Œuvres de jeunesse inédites. II: 1839-1842. Œuvres diverses.—Novembre.
"Œuvres de jeunesse inédites. II: 1839-1842. Œuvres diverses.—Novembre" by Gustave Flaubert is a collection of unpublished works likely written during the early 19th century. This volume includes various essays and reflections that explore themes of art, commerce, and the existential struggles of humanity. Flaubert delves into the conflict between artistic expression and the utilitarian values of society, with a particular emphasis on the role of poetry and the arts in fulfilling the deeper needs of the human spirit. The opening of this work presents an impassioned discourse on the perceived triviality of the arts in comparison to the dominance of commerce and materialism in society. Flaubert argues fervently that while many people devalue art as merely a pastime or ornamental distraction, the true worth of poetry and artistic endeavor lies in their ability to nourish the soul and elevate human experience. Through dialogues that touch upon both the joys and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of knowledge, Flaubert's exploration invites readers to contemplate the deeper truths of existence, the nature of creativity, and the interwoven fates of the artist and society.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 18
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 18" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of literary works likely compiled in the late 19th century. It includes several notable pieces such as "Le Horla," which explores themes of madness and the supernatural. This work delves into the psychological struggles of the main character as he confronts an elusive and possibly malevolent entity that threatens his sanity and existence, making it a fascinating read for those interested in psychological horror and existential questions. At the start of the collection, the narrative is framed through a first-person perspective, where the protagonist describes his deep attachment to his homeland and the serene countryside by the Seine River. However, as the story unfolds, he begins to suffer from a mysterious malady, including bouts of fever and intense anxiety, compounded by harrowing dreams of a sinister presence that beckons to him at night. The protagonist's mental state deteriorates as he becomes convinced of an invisible being, the "Horla," that seems to drain his vitality and haunt him. This gradual descent into madness, interspersed with reflections on existence and the nature of reality, sets a compelling tone for the eerie tale that develops throughout this volume.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 11
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 11" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The volume includes narratives like "Toine," "L'Homme-Fille," and "La Moustache," reflecting on various aspects of human life and relationships in a humorous and sometimes poignant manner. The characters often include everyday people whose lives are intertwined with themes of love, deceit, and the comedic intricacies of social interaction. At the start of the collection, the story "Toine" introduces the titular character, Toine Brûlot, a jovial innkeeper known for his hearty laughter and a peculiar yet charming relationship with his sour-tempered wife, who constantly scolds him. The narrative captures the witty exchanges and bickering between the couple, highlighting Toine's larger-than-life personality and humor even as he faces a sudden illness that leaves him immobilized. As his condition alters the dynamics of his relationships, including with his doting guests and wife, the story sets a foundation for exploring themes of love, laughter, and resilience amid life's trials, combined with Maupassant's signature style of realism and social commentary.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 07
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 07" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This volume includes several notable works, such as "Clair de Lune," "L'Enfant," "Un Coup d'Etat," and other pieces, showcasing Maupassant's keen insights into human emotions and societal themes. The stories often delve into the complexities of relationships, personal conflicts, and the nature of love, highlighting both the beauty and tragedy of life. At the start of "Clair de Lune," we are introduced to Abbé Marignan, a deeply religious yet fanatical priest who grapples with his disdain for women while displaying an obsessive quest for understanding God's intentions. He is initially preoccupied with the purity of his niece and is horrified to learn of her romantic involvement, leading him into a turbulent mix of moral outrage and introspection. As he steps outside on a beautiful moonlit night, he is captivated by the enchanting scene before him, which stirs a profound emotional response, ultimately challenging his rigid beliefs about love and the divine. This opening portion sets the stage for a narrative that promises to explore the conflict between duty and desire, emphasizing the enchanting power of nature as it reflects human complexities.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 14
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 14" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. This volume includes various tales that predominantly explore themes of human emotion and morality, often with a twist of irony or a shocking revelation. The book presents a vivid portrayal of life during that era, focusing on characters from different social strata and their often tumultuous experiences. The opening of the collection introduces the story "Le Crime au père Boniface," which follows the character of Boniface, a rural postman, who is initially elated by a lighter workload for the day. However, his day takes a darker turn as he comes across a horrific crime that has been committed in the village. Gripped by fear and uncertainty, Boniface runs to alert the local gendarmerie, but his discovery is met with disbelief and mockery, leading to a blend of dark humor and commentary on the nature of crime and community response. The setup effectively immerses readers in Maupassant's world, marked by a captivating mix of suspense and social commentary.
Guy de Maupassant
Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 13
"Œuvres complètes de Guy de Maupassant - volume 13" by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of literary works written in the late 19th century. This particular volume prominently features the novel "Bel-Ami," focusing on themes of ambition, social ascent, and romantic entanglements in Parisian society. The protagonist, Georges Duroy, is an ex-soldier who navigates through his financial struggles while seeking personal and social advancement, all driven by a charismatic facade. The opening of "Bel-Ami" introduces Georges Duroy as he departs from a restaurant, reflecting on his modest finances and his aspirations for a more glamorous life. As he traverses the bustling Parisian streets, he contemplates the nature of love and interactions with women, showcasing his charm and somewhat dubious morals. An encounter with an old comrade, Forestier, opens doors for him into journalism, and the stage is set for his attempts to integrate himself into the upper echelons of society while grappling with temptations and desires. The narrative sets a vivid backdrop of Paris in the summer, filled with richly drawn characters and intricate social dynamics that foreshadow Duroy's tumultuous journey ahead.
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