The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature

By Brian Nelson | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

In this highly accessible introduction, Brian Nelson provides an overview of French literature – its themes and forms, traditions and transformations – from the Middle Ages to the present. Major writers, including Francophone authors writing from areas other than France, are discussed chronologically in the context of their times, to provide a sense of the development of the French literary tradition and the strengths of some of the most influential writers within it. Nelson offers close readings of exemplary passages from key works, presented in English translation and with the original French. The exploration of the work of important writers, including Villon, Racine, Molière, Voltaire, Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Proust, Sartre and Beckett, highlights the richness and diversity of French literature.

Editions of The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature

Hardcover
ISBN 9780521887083
Paperback
ISBN 9780521715096

Read an Excerpt

In this highly accessible introduction, Brian Nelson provides an overview of French literature – its themes and forms, traditions and transformations – from the Middle Ages to the present. Major writers, including Francophone authors writing from areas other than France, are discussed chronologically in the context of their times, to provide a sense of the development of the French literary tradition and the strengths of some of the most influential writers within it. Nelson offers close readings of exemplary passages from key works, presented in English translation and with the original French. The exploration of the work of important writers, including Villon, Racine, Molière, Voltaire, Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Proust, Sartre and Beckett, highlights the richness and diversity of French literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature about?

In this highly accessible introduction, Brian Nelson provides an overview of French literature – its themes and forms, traditions and transformations – from the Middle Ages to the present. Major writers, including Francophone authors writing from areas other than France, are discussed chronologically in the context of their times, to provide a sense of the development of the French literary tradition and the strengths of some of the most influential writers within it. Nelson offers close readings of exemplary passages from key works, presented in English translation and with the original French. The exploration of the work of important writers, including Villon, Racine, Molière, Voltaire, Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Proust, Sartre and Beckett, highlights the richness and diversity of French literature.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism > Literary theory

Where can I read a sample of The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521887083

Is The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Cambridge Introductions to Literature

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature?

Brian Nelson

Who is the Publisher of the book The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521887083) and paperback(ISBN 9780521715096)