The author of Madame Bovary counted among his correspondents Theophile Gautier, Emile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, and his close friend George Sand (Amantine Dupin). These letters, mostly from the latter half of the great writer’s life, offer unique glimpses into Flaubert’s emotions, relationships, critical mind, and work. The volume also includes are four short works: an early drama, “The Dance of Death;” an early essay, “Rabelais;” “Preface to the Last Songs (Posthumous Poems) of Louis Bouilhet” and “Letter to the Municipality of Rouen.” The book is edited by Flaubert’s niece, Caroline Commanville, who also provides an intimate reminiscence of her celebrated uncle.
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Gustave Flaubert (1821–1880) was a great French novelist. A leader in the Realist school of literature, he is known for his exacting writing style, which greatly influenced many twentieth-century writers. He is best known for his first published work, Madame Bovary, which prompted a legal prosecution on the grounds of immorality—both Flaubert and his publisher were acquitted