Brief Lives: Stendhal

Stendhal is remembered today as one of the originators of the modern novel. During his lifetime, however, he was reputed to be a religious dissident and was known as a fervent supporter of Napoleon. This major new biography traces Stendhal's gradual evolution into a writer, following the defeat and exile of his political hero. It explores his politics, ambitions and many passionate love affairs, as well as his emotional relationship with his younger sister Pauline.