The Temptation of Saint Anthony (French Classics Series) (ePub)

Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was a pioneering French novelist known for his precision of style, rigorous work habits, and for leading the movement of literary realism in French literature. Throughout his life, Flaubert avoided the exuberance of Romanticism, preferring to probe the depths of human nature through a lens of meticulous scrutiny. His novels are marked by a profound psychological insight and an unyielding attention to detail-characteristics that have cemented his reputation as one of the literary giants of the 19th century.

Flaubert's masterpiece, 'Madame Bovary' (1857), is often cited as a cornerstone of realist fiction. It tells the story of a doctor's wife, Emma Bovary, who, trapped in a lackluster marriage, seeks fulfilment in love affairs and living beyond her means. The novel stirred controversy for its frank depiction of adultery, leading to an infamous obscenity trial which Flaubert ultimately won. His other notable works include 'Sentimental Education' (1869), a significant commentary on the revolutions of 1848, and 'Salammbô' (1862), an intricate historical novel set in ancient Carthage.

'The Temptation of Saint Anthony' represents a departure from Flaubert's typically realist novel. This work delves into the realms of the spiritual and the fantastical. Rooted in his lifelong fascination with the early Christian hermit Saint Anthony, it was rewritten multiple times over decades, reflecting Flaubert's relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. The revisitations allowed Flaubert to elaborate on the themes of temptation and the human quest for understanding in what he considered perhaps his most important work, although it was not met with the critical acclaim of his earlier novels.

Flaubert's influence extends beyond his own literary production; he served as a mentor to several younger writers, notably Guy de Maupassant. His sophisticated explorations of the human psyche, coupled with his commitment to prose style, have led many to