Cosmopolis — Complete (eBook)

Paul Bourget (1852–1935) was a French novelist and critic, known for his deep psychological analysis and the exploration of moral issues in his works. Born in Amiens, France, Bourget started his career as a poet and then rapidly shifted focus to become a prominent novelist and critic of his time. He was a brilliant student, having attended the renowned École des Hautes Études in Paris. Bourget's early works were marked by the acute aestheticism of the time, but his novel 'Cosmopolis — Complete,' among others, showcases the evolution of his literary style toward the detailed psychological novel that would become his signature. 'Cosmopolis' delves into the complexities of social relationships and moral dilemmas, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. The novel reflects Bourget's fascination with the intersection of different cultures and the individual's place within a globalized society. Bourget's narratives often explore themes of tradition versus modernity, the inner workings of morality, and the subtle intricacies of personal identity, making him a forerunner in the psychological novel genre. His influence extended beyond literature into the cultural sphere, as his works prompted discussions on the moral consequences of society's accelerated changes. Bourget's contribution to the French literary canon was recognized by his election to the prestigious Académie française in 1894. He continued to write and influence literary circles until his death in 1935.