A Major New TranslationThe Red and the Black, Stendhal’s masterpiece, is the story of Julien Sorel, a young dreamer from the provinces, fueled by Napoleonic ideals, whose desire to make his fortune sets in motion events both mesmerizing and tragic. Sorel’s quest to find himself, and the doomed love he encounters along the way, are delineated with an unprecedented psychological depth and realism. At the same time, Stendhal weaves together the social...

In 1818, when he was in his mid-thirties, Stendhal met and fell passionately in love with the beautiful Mathilde Dembowski. She, however, was quick to make it clear that she did not return his affections, and in his despair he turned to the written word to exorcise his love and explain his feelings. The result is an intensely personal dissection of the process of falling - and being - in love: a unique blend of poetry, anecdote, philosophy, psychology and social observation. Bringing toget...

Headstrong and naïve, the young Italian aristocrat Fabrizio del Dongo is determined to defy the wrath of his right-wing father and go to war to fight for Napoleon. He stumbles on the Battle of Waterloo, ill-prepared, yet filled with enthusiasm for war and glory. Finally heeding advice, Fabrizio sneaks back to Milan, only to become embroiled in a series of amorous exploits, fuelled by his impetuous nature and the political chicanery of his aunt Gina and her wily lover. Judged by Balzac to b...

"The Red and the Black" is a novel by Stendhal published in French in 1830 as "Le Rouge et le noir". It is generally considered the author’s major work and one of the greatest 19th-century novels."The Red and the Black" is a fictional depiction of French society in the 1820’s, two decades after the French Revolution and its ensuing Terror. The plot was based on Stendhal’s personal experiences, on legal documents, and on historical accounts. Specifically, the story was prom...

The Red and the Black is a reflective novel about the rise of poor, intellectually gifted people to High Society. Set in 19th century France it portrays the era after the exile of Napoleon to St. Helena. The influential, sharp epigrams in striking prose, leave reader almost as intrigued by the authors talent as the surprising twists that occur in the arduous love life.

The Red and the Black, Stendhal’s masterpiece, is the story of Julien Sorel, a young dreamer from the provinces, fueled by Napoleonic ideals, whose desire to make his fortune sets in motion events both mesmerizing and tragic. Sorel’s quest to find himself, and the doomed love he encounters along the way, are delineated with an unprecedented psychological depth and realism. At the same time, Stendhal weaves together the social life and fraught political intrigues of post–Napoleonic France, ...

The Red and the Black is a novel by French author Stendhal, published in 1830. Set in post-Napoleonic France, it follows the ambitious and charismatic protagonist, Julien Sorel, as he navigates the complexities of society and rises from humble origins to pursue his aspirations. Through his cunning and intelligence, Julien seeks advancement in both the military and the church, while navigating love affairs and political intrigue. Stendhal's masterpiece explores themes of ambition, class str...

Julien Sorel: The protagonist, an ambitious and intelligent young man who seeks to advance his social position through education and manipulation. His character is driven by a desire for power and recognition.Mathilde de La Mole: Julien's love interest, a wealthy and aristocratic woman who is both passionate and complex. Her relationship with Julien is central to the novel’s plot.Madame de Rênal: Julien's first romantic interest, a married woman who becomes deeply involved with him, leadin...

Balzac considered it the most important French novel of his time. André Gide later deemed it the greatest of all French novels, and Henry James judged it to be a masterpiece. Now, in a major literary event, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and distinguished translator Richard Howard presents a new rendition of Stendhal's epic tale of romance, adventure, and court intrigue set in early nineteenth-century Italy.The Charterhouse of Parma chronicles the exploits of Fabrizio del Dongo, an ard...

The novel is set in France during the early 19th century, a time of political and social upheaval. It follows the story of Julien Sorel, a young and ambitious protagonist from a humble background. Julien aspires to rise above his station in life and make a name for himself.The title "The Red and the Black" refers to the contrasting colors associated with the novel's central themes. "The Red" symbolizes the passionate and impulsive nature of love and desire, while "The Black" represents the...

The Charterhouse of Parma (1839) is a compelling novel of passion and daring. Set at the beginning of the 19th-century in northern Italy, it traces the joyous but ill-starred amorous exploits of a handsome young aristocrat called Fabrice del Dongo. The novel's great achievement is to conjure up the excitement and romance of youth while never losing sight of the harsh realities which beset the pursuit of happiness. This new translation captures Stendhal's narrative verse, while the Introduc...

M. de Rênal is the mayor of a provincial town named Verrières, who hires Julien Sorel as a private teacher for his child. Sorel desires to become a real man and follow the steps of his hero – Napoleon. The young man thinks that it is his duty to seduce the mayor's wife and they become lovers. However, their little secret will soon be revealed. Who will find out about the love affair? What is going to happen with the two lovers? Will mayor M. de Rênal also find out or the truth will be hidd...