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The Red and the Black

By Stendhal
Penguin Classics
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3.86 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Red and the Black by Stendhal follows the ambitious young Julien Sorel as he rises from humble beginnings to seek success in the military and the clergy in 19th-century France. The novel explores themes of class struggle, hypocrisy, and romantic entanglements. Julien's journey is marked by his encounters with influential figures and his internal conflicts, offering a keen insight into French society of the time.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring themes of ambition, social climbing, and romantic entanglements set against a rich historical and political backdrop. With its intricate character development and psychological insight, it offers a vivid portrayal of 19th-century French society, perfect for readers who appreciate classic literature with complex narratives.

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Handsome, ambitious Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble provincial origins. Soon realizing that success can only be achieved by adopting the subtle code of hypocrisy by which society operates, he begins to achieve advancement through deceit and self-interest.

Stendhal's dark, compelling tale of one man's descent into glamorous, greedy French society

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Handsome, ambitious Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble provincial origins. Soon realizing that success can only be achieved by adopting the subtle code of hypocrisy by which society operates, he begins to achieve advancement through deceit and self-interest. His triumphant career takes him into the heart of glamorous Parisian society, along the way conquering the gentle, married Madame de Renal, and the haughty Mathilde.

But then Julien commits an unexpected, devastating crime and brings about his own downfall. The Red and the Black is a lively, satirical portrayal of French society after Waterloo, riddled with corruption, greed, and ennui. Julien, the cold exploiter whose Machiavellian campaign is undercut by his own emotions, is one of the most intriguing characters in European literature.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140447644

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 August 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Roger Gard

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 441g

Pages: 608

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About the Author

Henri Marie Beyle (1783-1842) had a post in the Ministry of War and followed Napoleon's campaigns before retiring to Italy. Here, as 'Stendhal', he began writing on art, music and travel. He later wrote novels, literary criticism, and various biographical and autobiographical works. Roger Gard was a Reader in English at Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London. He has published work on Henry James and Jane Austen alongside his translations.

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