Book description
First published in 1877, these three stories are dominated by questions
of doubt, love, loneliness and religious experience, and together form a
triumphant conclusion to Flaubert's literary career. With elegant
simplicity, 'A Simple Heart' relates the story of F licit - an
uneducated serving-woman who retains her Catholic faith despite a life
of desolation and loss. Inspired by a stained-glass window in Rouen
cathedral, 'The Legend of Saint Julian Hospitator' describes the fate of
Julian, a sadistic hunter destined to murder his own parents. The blend
of faith and cruelty that dominates this story may also be found in
'Herodias' - a reworking of the tale of Salom and John the Baptist.
Gustave Flaubert was born in Rouen in 1821. After illness interrupted
a career in law, he retired to live with his widowed mother and devote
himself to writing. He achieved limited success in his own lifetime,
but his fame and reputation grew steadily after his death in 1880.
Geoffrey Wall (introducer) teaches French at the University of York.
He is the author of a critically-acclaimed biography of Flaubert and
has translated Madame Bovary for Penguin Classics.
Roger Whitehouse (translator) is the editor of a book on literary
expressions of exile.
Geoffrey Wall (introducer) teaches French at the University of York.
He is the author of a critically-acclaimed biography of Flaubert and
has translated Madame Bovary for Penguin Classics.
Roger Whitehouse (translator) is the editor of a book on literary
expressions of exile.
