Frederick Brown Bücher

The author of acclaimed biographies of Emile Zola and Flaubert now offers an ambitious, far-reaching portrait of fin-de-siecle France.

Reconsiders the events and the political, social, and religious movements that led to France's embrace of Fascism and anti-Semitism, exploring the tumultuous forces unleashed by the Dreyfus Affair, and examining how the clashing ideologies and the blood-soaked political scandals and artistic movements following the horror of World War I resulted in the country's era of militant authoritarianism; and how rioting, violent racism, and nationalistic fervor overtook France's sense of reason, sealed its fate, and led to the rise of the Vichy government.

Gustave Flaubert, whose Madame Bovary scandalized the bourgeoisie upon its 1857 release, is vividly depicted in Frederick Brown's biography, showcasing his unique brilliance and contradictions. Flaubert, a naturally sedentary man, embarked on grand journeys through Egypt and the Middle East. His flamboyant nature coexisted with a deep commitment to crafting beautifully cadenced prose. While he thrived on friendships with literary figures like Turgenev, Zola, and Maupassant, he sought emotional support from maternal figures, notably George Sand. Flaubert faced a trial in 19th-century France for the 'lewd behavior' depicted in Madame Bovary , which ironically elevated his celebrity status but also contributed to his financial downfall and premature death at fifty-nine. Writing was often torturous for him, yet it consumed his thoughts and life. He yearned for popular success, which he attained with Madame Bovary , but refused to compromise his artistic integrity. Brown's insightful biography reveals Flaubert's inner world, his era, and his enduring legacy. It was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize for biography and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.