Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics)

Name: Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics)
ISBN: 9781853260780

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Book Summary

With an Introduction by Roger Clark, University of Kent at Canterbury Castigated for offending against public decency, Madame Bovary has rarely failed to cause a storm. For Flaubert’s contemporaries, the fascination came from the novelist’s meticulous account of provincial matters. For the writer, subject matter was subordinate to his anguished quest for aesthetic perfection. For his twentieth-century successors the formal experiments that underpin Madame Bovary look forward to the innovations of contemporary fiction. Flaubert s protagonist in particular has never ceased to fascinate. Romantic heroine or middle-class neurotic, flawed wife and mother or passionate protester against the conventions of bourgeois society, simultaneously the subject of Flaubert s admiration and the butt of his irony – Emma Bovary remains one of the most enigmatic of fictional creations. Flaubert’s meticulous approach to the craft of fiction, his portrayal of contemporary reality, his representation of an unforgettable cast of characters make Madame Bovary one of the major landmarks of modern fiction.

Language:English
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd (1998)
ISBN-10: 9781853260780
ISBN-13: 9781853260780
Genre: Classics
Shipping Weight: 40 grams
Condition: New

SKU: 9781853260780 Categories: Books, English Books, English Children Books, Literature & Fiction Author: Gustave Flaubert

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Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics)

Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics) Book Description

Readers will discover why Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics) remains a cornerstone of literary history. This edition opens with an insightful introduction by Roger Clark, a scholar from the University of Kent. Meanwhile, Flaubert’s portrait of Emma Bovary shines through his precise prose and keen observation of provincial life. The story follows Emma, a restless wife who longs for romance beyond the confines of her small town. Her desires lead her into a series of ill‑fated affairs and mounting debts, illustrating the clash between personal longing and societal expectations.

Fans of classic literature will enjoy the novel’s masterful blend of realism and satire. Throughout the narrative, Flaubert balances admiration for Emma’s yearning with a subtle irony that exposes the emptiness of her pursuits. Moreover, his meticulous description of nineteenth‑century French society creates an immersive backdrop that feels both vivid and universal. The novel’s structure and style also anticipate many techniques used by modern writers, making it a valuable study for anyone interested in the evolution of fiction.

Additionally, this Wordsworth Classics edition offers a clean, affordable paperback format. The 320‑page volume is printed on high‑quality paper, ensuring a comfortable reading experience. Because the text is unabridged, readers receive the full impact of Flaubert’s language and thematic depth. Therefore, both newcomers and seasoned readers can explore Emma’s tragic journey without distraction.

Key Features of Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics)

The book includes a scholarly introduction that contextualizes the novel’s historical controversy. It explains why the work was once condemned for “offending public decency” and how it has since been celebrated for its artistic merit. Furthermore, the edition provides clear pagination and a durable binding, making it ideal for study or leisure reading. The ISBN numbers (ISBN‑10: 9781853260780, ISBN‑13: 9781853260780) ensure you are purchasing the authentic Wordsworth edition.

Readers can also appreciate the concise layout that highlights Flaubert’s elegant sentences. The paperback’s lightweight design (40 grams) makes it easy to carry on trips or to a coffee shop. Moreover, the book’s condition is brand new, guaranteeing a crisp, untouched reading experience.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers find Emma Bovary’s inner conflict both relatable and haunting. Her struggle to reconcile personal dreams with social reality resonates across centuries. The novel invites you to reflect on the cost of chasing idealized love and the pressures of conformity. As a result, it offers timeless insights into human desire, ambition, and disappointment.

Additionally, studying this classic enriches your understanding of narrative technique. Flaubant’s careful craftsmanship demonstrates how precise detail can elevate a simple story into a profound commentary on society. Therefore, the book serves both as an engaging narrative and a valuable educational tool.

About This Book

Published by Wordsworth Editions Ltd in 1998, this edition presents the complete text of Gustave Flaubert’s masterpiece in a convenient paperback form. It is written in English, spans 320 pages, and arrives in brand‑new condition. Whether you seek a compelling story, a study of literary innovation, or a beautiful addition to your bookshelf, Madame Bovary (Wordsworth Classics) delivers lasting value.