The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature by Brian Nelson

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The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature by Brian Nelson

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Summary

A highly readable and accessible introduction to French literature from the Middle Ages to the present, through a sequence of chapters on major French writers of their time. A comprehensive and engaging account of the riches and pleasures of one of the world's great literary traditions.

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The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature by Brian Nelson

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.
'… an important contribution and a rewarding read … [Nelson's] scholarship … is all the more impressive for being deftly deployed … He has successfully made his own the motto of the French classical period - plaire et instruire (to impart pleasure and knowledge)' Colin Nettelbeck, Australian Book Review
'This is a book for everyone interested in French literature, whether erudite or ignorant; it is immensely informative with no jargon and no posturing.' Valerie Minogue, Bulletin of the Emile Zola Society
'Nelson has produced a concise, easily comprehensible overview of French literature.' F. E. Nicholson, Choice
'To say that this book is readable would be a serious understatement … inspired and often inspiring …' T. Chapman Wing, H-France
'… rich and eminently readable …' John Flower, French Studies
'Divided into thirty short chapters, each of which is devoted to a 'major' author, this introduction is at once easy to read and solidly grounded in recent scholarship. … A succinct chronology of historical events is provided, as are suggestions for further reading.' Edward Ousselin, The French Review
Brian Nelson is Professor Emeritus of French Studies and Translation Studies at Monash University, Victoria, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. His publications include Perspectives on Literature and Translation: Creation, Circulation, Reception (co-edited with Brigid Maher, 2013), The Cambridge Companion to Emile Zola (Cambridge, 2007) and translations of the novels of Émile Zola.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780521887083
ISBN 10 0521887089
Title The Cambridge Introduction to French Literature
Author Brian Nelson
Series Cambridge Introductions To Literature
Condition Unavailable
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Year published 2015-06-11
Number of pages 322
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.