The Collected Works

Gustave Flaubert's "The Collected Works" serves as a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates his literary genius, showcasing his pioneering contributions to the genre of realism in 19th-century literature. This collection features not only his famed novel "Madame Bovary," but also a variety of smaller works, essays, and correspondence that reveal Flaubert's meticulous attention to language, form, and character development. His narrative style often combines rich, vivid descriptions with incisive psychological insight, all while adhering to a rigorous pursuit of artistic perfection, famously encapsulated in his phrase, "Le mot juste"—the right word. This anthology invites readers into the complex moral landscapes Flaubert expertly navigated, reflecting both the societal constraints of his time and the inner turmoil of his characters. Flaubert, born in 1821 in Rouen, France, grew up in a time of great political and social upheaval, which deeply influenced his literary endeavors. His rigorous classical education and extensive travel experiences endowed him with a profound understanding of human nature and the nuances of social dynamics. Driven by a desire to elevate the novel as an art form, Flaubert typically sought to expose the contradictions of bourgeois society, embedding personal struggles within broader cultural critiques. Readers yearning for literary introspection and a profound exploration of the human condition will find "The Collected Works" to be an indispensable volume. Flaubert's unwavering commitment to the craft of writing, coupled with his incisive critique of 19th-century society, renders this anthology not merely an assembly of texts but a vital conversation with the past, urging modern audiences to reflect on the complexities of desire, identity, and societal norms.

Gustave Flaubert, the eminent French novelist, is renowned for his profundity in literary realism and his influence on literary history. Flaubert was born on December 12, 1821, in Rouen, Normandy, and delved into literature from an early age, influenced by the burgeoning Romantic literary movement. His meticulous approach to writing, marked by a relentless search for le mot juste (the precise word), has set a precedent for meticulous craftsmanship in literary production. Flaubert's masterpiece, 'Madame Bovary' (1857), remains an archetype of realist narrative, dissecting the life and romantic illusions of Emma Bovary. This seminal work drew controversy and legal scrutiny for its alleged immorality, yet subsequently solidified Flaubert's reputation as a writer who dared to challenge societal norms and artistic conventions. His literary repertoire is not restricted to this novel alone; 'Sentimental Education' (1869) and 'Salammbo' (1862) are other significant contributions that exhibit Flaubert's diverse thematic interests ranging from the historical to the psychological. 'The Collected Works' of Flaubert not only showcase his famed masterpieces but also compile his lesser-known works, offering an extensive vista into his narrative and stylistic evolution. The thematic preoccupation with human folly and the limitations of society is evident throughout his oeuvre, rendering his literature a provocative critique of his times. Flaubert's legacy is immense, having influenced generations of writers, including modernist luminaries such as James Joyce and Marcel Proust, and continues to be a subject of scholarly study for his stylistic rigor and narrative innovations.