The Nabob
Aug 2018 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
379
Pages
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About this ebook
In The Nabob Alphonse Daudet writes fluidly and somewhat romantically about a nouveau riche Frenchman (originally from the south of France, like Daudet) returning from Tunis and determined to buy his way into the upper reaches of Paris society. He is led from one mistake to another, humbled and humiliated. The underlying thesis would appear to be either a) country mouse comes to city and is eaten by the urban cats or b) Darwinian naturalism rules in French society and disposes of the weak who are only superficially strong. (Goodreads)
About the author
Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French novelist and playwright whose vivid storytelling and keen observations of human nature have left an indelible mark on literature. Born in Nîmes, Daudet moved to Paris at a young age, where he quickly became a central figure in the literary circles of the late 19th century. His works often reflect the complexities of Provençal life, drawing from his own experiences and the rich tapestry of Southern France.Daudet's literary career began with poetry, but he soon found his true calling in prose. His semi-autobiographical novel "Le Petit Chose" (1868) garnered significant attention, but it was "Lettres de mon moulin" (1869) that truly cemented his reputation. This collection of short stories, imbued with warmth and humor, remains beloved for its picturesque depictions of rural life.A contemporary and friend of luminaries like Émile Zola and Gustave Flaubert, Daudet was part of the Naturalist movement, though his work often exhibited a more romantic and sentimental tone. His novel "Tartarin de Tarascon" (1872) introduced readers to one of literature's most endearing and comical characters, a bumbling hero whose adventures satirize the pretensions of the bourgeoisie.Daudet's personal life was as colorful as his fiction. He suffered from syphilis, a condition that not only influenced his writing but also brought him into the orbit of the medical and literary debates of his time. His candid portrayal of illness and suffering in works like "La Doulou" (1897) broke new ground in the depiction of personal pain and vulnerability.Controversially, Daudet's political views and his portrayal of certain ethnic groups have sparked debate among scholars, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of his era. Despite this, his influence on contemporary writers is undeniable, with his masterful blend of realism and romanticism continuing to inspire.Alphonse Daudet remains a fascinating figure whose works offer a window into the soul of 19th-century France, capturing both its charm and its contradictions.
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