Guy de Maupassant

This carefully crafted ebook: Ball of Fat (Boule de Suif) - Unabridged English Edition" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents."Boule de Suif" (translated variously as "Dumpling", "Butterball", "Ball of Fat" or "Ball of Lard") is a famous short story by the late-19th century French writer Guy de Maupassant. It is arguably his most famous short story and is the title story for his collection on the Franco-Prussian War, entitled "Boule de Suif et Autres Contes de la Guerre" ("Dumpling and Other Stories of the War"). The story is set in the Franco-Prussian War and follows a group of French residents of Rouen, recently occupied by the Prussian army. The ten travellers decide, for various reasons, to leave Rouen and flee to Le Havre in a stagecoach. Sharing the carriage are Boule de Suif or "Butterball", a prostitute whose real name is Elisabeth Rousset; the strict Democrat Cornudet; a shop-owning couple from the petty bourgeoisie, M. and Mme. Loiseau; a wealthy upper-bourgeoisie factory-owner and his wife, M. and Mme. Carre-Lamadon; the Comte and Comtesse of Breville; and two nuns. Thus, the carriage constitutes a microcosm of French society, representing different parts of the French population during the late 19th century.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the forms finest exponents. Maupassant was a protege of Flaubert and his stories are characterized by economy of style and efficient, effortless denouements (outcomes). He wrote some 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. His first published story, "Boule de Suif" ("Ball of Fat"), is often considered his masterpiece.

"I entered literary life as a meteor, and I shall leave it like a thunderbolt." These words of Maupassant to Jose Maria de Heredia on the occasion of a memorable meeting are, in spite of their morbid solemnity, not an inexact summing up of the brief career during which, for ten years, the writer, by turns undaunted and sorrowful, with the fertility of a master hand produced poetry, novels, romances and travels, only to sink prematurely into the abyss of madness and death. . . . .

This carefully crafted ebook: The History of a Scoundrel (Bel-Ami) - Unabridged" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents.Bel Ami is the second novel by French author Guy de Maupassant, with an English translation titled Bel Ami, or, The History of a Scoundrel. The story chronicles journalist Georges Duroys corrupt rise to power from a poor ex-NCO to one of the most successful men in Paris, most of which he achieves by manipulating a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy mistresses. The novel is set in Paris in the upper-middle class environment of the leading journalists of the newspaper La Vie Française and their friends. It tells the story of Georges Duroy, who has spent three years in military service in Algeria. After working for six months as a clerk in Paris, an encounter with his former comrade, Forestier, enables him to start a career as a journalist.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the forms finest exponents. Maupassant was a protege of Flaubert and his stories are characterized by economy of style and efficient, effortless denouements (outcomes).

This carefully crafted ebook: Collected Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant: The Necklace + The Piece of String + Boule de Suif + Mademoiselle Fifi + Pierrot + Two Friends + La Maison Tellier + Ghosts and much more is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the forms finest exponents.Content:An Adventure in ParisThe AwakeningCrashMy LandladyThe HorlaOur LettersProfitable BusinessA Fashionable WomanThe DonkeyA Mother of MonstersA Family AffairThe Mad WomanThe Bandmasters SisterThe CrippleA Cock CrowedWords of LoveMiss HarrietTwo FriendsPierrotCountess SatanMother SauvageCowardA DuelThe Corsican BanditThe AccentAlways Lock the Door!Legend of Mont St. MichelThe Fishing HoleA VendettaMadame HermetThe Old MaidAm I Insane?DiscoveryThe ChildThe Piece of StringHe?Madame BaptisteMadame ParisseBoule De SuifMagnetismThe ChristeningA StrollThe MustacheFather MatthewDead Womans SecretA Fathers ConfessionA RuptureA New Years GiftIs He Mad?The DebtMadThe Trip of Le HorlaThe ParrotThe HermitThe DowryThe White LadyThe Dispenser of Holy WaterThe Rondoli SistersMademoiselle CocotteThe Lancers WifeA Normandy JokeThe Marquis De FumerolJulie RomainThe ModelA ParricideFound on a Drowned ManDreamsSaint AnthonyThe DrunkardWhat Was Really the Matter with AndrewRegretThe CakeMy Uncle SosthenesBeside Schopenhauers CorpseThe InnThe TestThe Carters WenchThe Man with the DogsThe Diamond NecklaceGhostsMother and SonRoseSundays of a BourgeoisThe Sequel to a DivorceThe Farmers WifeThe MountebanksThe Dead GirlThe Maison TellierMonsieur ParentJulots OpinionMademoiselleCocoMamma StirlingThe Diary of a MadmanSuicidesThe Wrong HouseA Good MatchA Useful HouseMademoiselle FifiThe BedMademoiselle Pearl

Bel-Ami by Guy De Maupassant ([b?lami], "Dear Friend") is the second novel by French author Guy de Maupassant, published in 1885; an English translation titled Bel Ami, or, The History of a Scoundrel: A Novel first appeared in 1903.The story chronicles journalist Georges Duroys corrupt rise to power from a poor former cavalry NCO in Frances African colonies, to one of the most successful men in Paris, most of which he achieves by manipulating a series of powerful, intelligent, and wealthy women.The novel is set in Paris in the upper-middle class environment of the leading journalists of the newspaper La Vie Française and their friends. It tells the story of Georges Duroy, who has spent three years in military service in Algeria.After working for six months as a clerk in Paris, an encounter with his former comrade, Forestier, enables him to start a career as a journalist. From a reporter of minor events and soft news, he gradually climbs his way up to chief editor. Duroy initially owes his success to Forestiers wife, Madeleine, who helps him write his first articles and, when he later starts writing lead articles, she adds an edge and poignancy to them. At the same time, she uses her connections among leading politicians to provide him with behind the scenes information which allows him to become actively involved in politics.Duroy is also introduced to many politicians in Madame Forestiers drawing-room. Duroy becomes the lover of Forestiers friend Mme de Marelle, another influential woman. Duroy later tries to seduce Madeleine Forestier to get even with her husband, but she repulses Duroys sexual advances and offers that they become true friends without ulterior motives.

Broad daylight streamed down into the vast studio through a skylight in the ceiling, which showed a large square of dazzling blue, a bright vista of limitless heights of azure, across which passed flocks of birds in rapid flight. But the glad light of heaven hardly entered this severe room, with high ceilings and draped walls, before it began to grow soft and dim, to slumber among the hangings and die in the portieres, hardly penetrating to the dark corners where the gilded frames of portraits gleamed like flame. Peace and sleep seemed imprisoned there, the peace characteristic of an artists dwelling, where the human soul has toiled. Within these walls, where thought abides, struggles, and becomes exhausted in its violent efforts, everything appears weary and overcome as soon as the energy of action is abated; all seems dead after the great crises of life, and the furniture, the hangings, and the portraits of great personages still unfinished on the canvases, all seem to rest as if the whole place had suffered the masters fatigue and had toiled with him, taking part in the daily renewal of his struggle.

This ebook comprises the complete short stories written by French author Guy de Maupassant.

Broad daylight streamed down into the vast studio through a skylight in the ceiling, which showed a large square of dazzling blue, a bright vista of limitless heights of azure, across which passed flocks of birds in rapid flight. But the glad light of heaven hardly entered this severe room, with high ceilings and draped walls, before it began to grow soft and dim, to slumber among the hangings and die in the portieres, hardly penetrating to the dark corners where the gilded frames of portraits gleamed like flame. Peace and sleep seemed imprisoned there, the peace characteristic of an artists dwelling, where the human soul has toiled. Within these walls, where thought abides, struggles, and becomes exhausted in its violent efforts, everything appears weary and overcome as soon as the energy of action is abated; all seems dead after the great crises of life, and the furniture, the hangings, and the portraits of great personages still unfinished on the canvases, all seem to rest as if the whole place had suffered the masters fatigue and had toiled with him, taking part in the daily renewal of his struggle.

Despite its title. The Effeminates has nothing to do with sexuality. Instead, its a satire on the fickle natures of Parisians and those who work in the Chamber of Deputies (a French parliamentary body). According to Maupassants observations, these man-girls are a bane of society, forever changing their minds, following their whimsies, and plotting behind the backs of even their closest friends. An interesting psychological snapshot of 19th Century France, The Effeminates is a welcome addition to any library.

Despite quietly loathing his wifes penchant for fake jewellery, Mr and Mrs Lantin are happily married. When she dies, finances force him to sell her gems and he discovers that one of them is not only real but worth a significant sum of money. What keeps niggling Mr Lantin is that he didnt buy it for her so who did?The Fake Gems is a cautionary short story from the pen of a master. The perfect addition to any collection of Maupassants works.

Later made into a film, starring Vincent Price, The Diary of a Madman is a dark and disturbing short story. In just three pages, Maupassant introduces us to an upright magistrate who has just condemned a prisoner, Blondel, to death. Blondel is convicted of prolicide, and the magistrate wants to work out why hes committed this terrible crime. Through his diary, we see how the idea takes root and becomes something much more sinister... A gripping read thats as relevant today as when it was written, The Diary of a Madman is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King.

It is often the most humble men that are the most dangerous.Central Corsica is dangerous. There is no question about that. Despite its beautiful scenery, the area is rife with bandits, mongrels, and crime. Whilst money is important, secrets are much more valuable. The quietest, almost silent villager is a source of interest for the entire of Corsica - they know he has secrets. But are they truly ready to find out who he really is?This dynamic tale is an entertaining introduction to Guy de Maupassant for fans of classic adventure fiction.

With all the wistful romance of The Remains of the Day, (starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson), Alexandre tells the story of a servant and his mistress, Madame Marambelle. Now wheelchair-bound, Madame Marambelle is reliant on Alexandre to get out and about. On one of their sojourns, they discuss her tyrannical husband, with Alexandre telling some uncomfortable home truths. However, he also has a secret of his own, and now seems as good a time as any to get it out in the open. A touching short story from one of the fathers of the genre, Alexandre is the ideal read for fans of Jojo Moyes Me Before You.

A vain and wealthy man, Lormerin is a slave to his mirror and very little else. However, one day, he opens a letter to find that his old flame, Lise, will be in town with her daughter, and he is invited to join them for dinner. What happens next causes Lormerin to reflect on himself in more ways than one... Paving the way for films, such as Venus, starring Peter OToole and former Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker, All Over is a melancholy look at love and ageing.It will delight fans of OScar Wildes Dorian Gray.

Set on the French Riviera, Madame Parisse tells the story of an aristocratic woman, trapped in an unhappy marriage. When her husband goes on a business trip for four days, she embarks on an affair with the dashing Monsieur Jean de Carmelin. However, neither of them can foresee the consequences of their illicit encounter. Told from an observers point of view, this is a wistful, tragic, and romantic tale, packed with yearning and criticism of the social conventions of the time. A good, old-fashioned tear-jerker, Madame Parisse will delight anyone already familiar with Guy de Maupassants body of work.

Set aboard a steamship sailing from Le Havre to Trouville, Discovery is a short and funny story, with a moral tucked away in the dialogue.When the narrator meets his old friend, Henri Sidoine, the latter rants about the number of English people on board. With the kind of ire that Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese) reserved for his guests, Sidoine gives full rein to his loathing of the English although, as it turns out, he fell in love with, and married, an Englishwoman. Is his argument genuinely about the self-proclaimed "lords of the sea", or is he revealing more about himself than he means to? An incisive tale with plenty of clever observations, Discovery will delight fans of nautical short stories such as Ernest Hemingways After the Storm.

A masterpiece in literary manipulation, A New Years Gift plays with our expectations while delivering a sobering dose of social commentary. We begin with Jacques, who is writing a letter to his sweetheart, Irene. When Irene appears on his doorstep, she brings with her a scandalous plan. Will he agree to her demands, or is there more to them than meets the eye? A tale of adultery, fealty, violence, and honour, A New Years Gift also highlights the stifling social conventions of the time.This short story will delight fans of Raymond Carver.

Set during the hunting season, the Chateau Baneville is peopled with guests waiting for the weather to improve.After half-heartedly playing board games, they tell stories. None is so shocking as the one told by Genevieve and the boy who loved her in her youth. With allusions to mental illness and obsession, this is a dark romantic tale, sure to promote some heated conversation. Touching on similar themes as Robert Redfords Ordinary People,A Widow is a tragic love story.It will delight fans of other tragic love stories such as Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet and Victor Hugos The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Colone Laporte has an opinion about everything. Colonel Laporte is also right about everything. Or so he thinks. During a conversation with a friend, he is preaching his opinion about French people. He claims that they are famous for their attitudes towards members of the opposite sex. His friend disagrees. Frustrated and attempting to get his point across, he begins to tell the story of an encounter he had during the Franco-Prussian War. Only as his story continues does it become clear just how shocking this encounter was.This fast-paced tale is unmissable for fans of Ambrose Bierce.