Other editions of book The Charterhouse Of Parma

Stendhal’s second great novel, "The Charterhouse of Parma", was first published in Paris in 1839 and had to wait more than fifty years before appearing in an English translation in 1895. Like "The Red and the Black", its vivid characterizations, intriguing plot, and ironical style immediately confirmed its status as one of the major achievements of the nineteenth century novel.Almost ten years separate the original publication of "The Charterhouse of Parma" from "The Red and the Black". The interval did not, however, produce a change in Stendhal’s fictional themes or methods. Once again, the protagonist is a young man, and the environment in which he comes face to face with the world and his situation and destiny in it is one of political intrigue. Again, the protagonist’s fate seems to be decided by his emotional nature, and the expression of that nature is subject to ruinous social manipulation. The larger backdrop to the novel’s plot is the Napoleonic era. Yet it is used to illuminate the character of the protagonist, Fabrizzio del Dongo, and to prepare the reader for the struggle for autonomy and individuality that Fabrizzio must undergo."The Charterhouse of Parma" tells the story of a young Italian, Fabrizio del Dongo, who dreams of a great and glorious military career. He initially joins Napoleon’s army, but after the French defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, he returns to Italy and embarks on an ecclesiastical career, before being imprisoned for killing a man during a fight and falling in love with the daughter of the prison governor."The Charterhouse of Parma" is a key example of the realist novel, and was admired by writers including Honoré de Balzac, Leo Tolstoy and Henry James. In particular, Stendhal’s vivid description of the Battle of Waterloo has been widely praised.

Balzac considered it the most important French novel of his time. André Gide later deemed it the greatest of all French novels, and Henry James judged it to be a masterpiece. Now, in a major literary event, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and distinguished translator Richard Howard presents a new rendition of Stendhal's epic tale of romance, adventure, and court intrigue set in early nineteenth-century Italy. The Charterhouse of Parma chronicles the exploits of Fabrizio del Dongo, an ardent young aristocrat who joins Napoleon's army just before the Battle of Waterloo. Yet perhaps the novel's most unforgettable characters are the hero's beautiful aunt, the alluring Duchess of Sanseverina, and her lover, Count Mosca, who plot to further Fabrizio's political career at the treacherous court of Parma in a sweeping story that illuminates an entire epoch of European history. "Stendhal has written The Prince up to date, the novel that Machiavelli would write if he were living banished from Italy in the nineteenth century," noted Balzac in his famous review of The Charterhouse of Parma. "Never before have the hearts of princes, ministers, courtiers, and women been depicted like this. . . . One sees perfection in every detail. . . . [It] has the magnitude of a canvas fifty feet by thirty, and at the same time the manner, the execution, is Dutch in its minuteness. . . . The Charterhouse of Parma often contains a whole book in a single page. . . . It is a masterpiece." This edition includes original illustrations by Robert Andrew Parker and Notes and a Translator's Afterword by Richard Howard.

Written in just fifty-two days in 1839, “The Charterhouse of Parma” has since become known as one of Stendhal’s finest works. Evidence of haste is infrequently apparent in this remarkable story, which follows the eventful life of the young Italian nobleman Fabrizio del Dongo. From his childhood in the family castle by Lake Como to the battlefields of Waterloo, Fabrizio proves himself charmingly headstrong and painfully naïve. Upon returning injured to Italy, the young man begins to recover and pursue ill-fated amorous exploits while his well-intentioned aunt Gina tries to plan a successful career for him with the help of her lover Count Mosca. When a period of confinement in prison leads Fabrizio to meet the beautiful and passionate Clélia, Stendahl’s amazing skill with psychological insight comes to the fore, testing the courage of his characters as never before. Considered by contemporary readers to be one of the greatest French novels of its time, “The Charterhouse of Parma” overflows with military feats, court intrigue, and romance that encapsulates both youthful excitement and the harsh realities that test happiness at every turn. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

A swashbuckling masterpiece set in 19th-century Italy. It is renowned as one of the greatest French novels of all times. Brimming with adventure, romance, and political intrigue. It chronicles the exploits of Fabrizio del Dongo and his encounter with several fascinating individuals. Stendhal explores the whole spectrum of European history minutely. Illuminating and enthralling!

The Charterhouse of Parma is a compelling novel of passion and daring; of prisons and heroic escape; of political chicanery and sublime personal courage. Set at the beginning of the nineteenth century; amidst the golden landscapes of northern Italy; it traces the joyous but ill-starred amorous exploits of a handsome young aristocrat called Fabrice del Dongo; and of his incomparable aunt Gina; her suitor Prime Minister Mosca; and Clélia; a heroine of ethereal beauty and earthly passion.