Waterloo (eBook)

Erckmann-Chatrian was the collective pseudonym of two French authors, Émile Erckmann (1822–1899) and Alexandre Chatrian (1826–1890), who collaborated on a series of novels and short stories. Both hailing from Alsace, they began their collaboration in the 1840s, finding common ground in their regional backgrounds and political views. Their joint work is typified by a blend of supernatural elements, national sentiments, and a focus on the common man. Although they wrote across genres, they are especially remembered for their folktales and stories rooted in their native Lorraine. Their novel 'Waterloo', a historical narrative set against the backdrop of the eponymous battle, is one of their most significant works, immersing readers in the vivid turmoil of the Napoleonic era. Their literary style often mixed realism with romanticism, appealing to both popular tastes and patriotic fervor of their time. The duo's partnership proved highly successful till the 1880s when they had a falling out, leading to a less active phase before their deaths. Today, Erckmann-Chatrian's contribution to French literature is recognized as emblematic of 19th-century storytelling, wherein the fabric of the local culture was interwoven with the broader historical canvass of Europe.