Scarlet and Black

Published in 1830, this novel follows Julien Sorel, a carpenter's ambitious son in Restoration France, who uses learning, memory, and hypocrisy to rise. As tutor in the household of M. de Renal, mayor of a provincial town, he begins an affair with Mme de Renal. Later, in Paris, he becomes secretary to the Marquis de la Mole and is drawn to the proud Mathilde. Church, army, and drawing room are the grades of a career he reads as a Napoleonic campaign in a world that no longer rewards soldiers. The book is a psychological novel of class and desire, not a battle history.

Full red linen binding with a repeat pattern in grey by Martin, green leather spine-label. Black endleaves. Grey slipcase.