George Sand and Gustave Flaubert: Collected Letters (eBook)

Gustave Flaubert's 'George Sand and Gustave Flaubert: Collected Letters' offers a profound insight into the intimate intellectual and emotional exchange between two towering figures of 19th-century French literature. These letters, ripe with candid discussions of literary creation and criticism, unfold against the backdrop of France's turbulent political scene, reflecting the complex interplay between private sentiment and public spectacle. The collected correspondence illuminates their literary styles—Flaubert's meticulous prose and Sand's free-flowing narrative—both underpinned by a shared dedication to literary authenticity and their dissection of the social mores of their time.

Gustave Flaubert, an architect of literary realism and mentor to Maupassant, found an unexpected confidante in George Sand, a writer whose bohemian life defied conventional norms. Their epistolary relationship, while marked by contrasts in literary tastes—Flaubert's painstaking artistry versus Sand's romantic idealism—revealed a mutual respect and affection. These letters articulate their struggles with the creative process, weave in critiques of contemporary works, and explore the philosophical questions that helped shape their respective oeuvres.

This compilation is indispensable for those who wish to delve deeper into the psyches of Flaubert and Sand, providing rich material for scholars and literary enthusiasts alike. The depth of conversation, comprehensive musings on the craft of writing, and the historical resonance contained within these pages make it not merely a collection of personal communications, but a testament to the endurance of literary friendship and dialogue. It is recommended for anyone eager to understand the intellectual currents that influenced some of the greatest works of French literature, and to witness the meeting of two masters distilled onto paper.