Les Liaisons dangereusesThe complex moral ambiguities of seduction and revenge make Les Liaisons dangereuses (1782) one of the most scandalous and controversial novels in European literature. The subject of major film and stage adaptations, the novel's prime movers, the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil, form an unholy alliance and turn seduction into a game - a game which they must win. This new translation gives Laclos a modern voice, and readers will be able a judge whether the novel is as `diabolical' and `infamous' as its critics have claimed, or whether it has much to tell us about the kind of world we ourselves live in. David Coward's introduction explodes myths about Laclos's own life and puts the book in its literary and cultural context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 91
Page xiii
... find defenders on both sides of the Channel who looked beyond the 'second-rate Machiavelli' and 'consummate immoralist' of academic criticism. His Essays on Women, his verse, and his correspondence were published and they showed a new ...
... find defenders on both sides of the Channel who looked beyond the 'second-rate Machiavelli' and 'consummate immoralist' of academic criticism. His Essays on Women, his verse, and his correspondence were published and they showed a new ...
Page xxi
... disillusioned by events does he find a voice of his own. Mme de Tourvel's letters invariably begin defensively and end defiantly. Mme de Volanges clucks and fusses, Mme de Rosemonde is wearily resigned, and Azolan's Introduction xxi.
... disillusioned by events does he find a voice of his own. Mme de Tourvel's letters invariably begin defensively and end defiantly. Mme de Volanges clucks and fusses, Mme de Rosemonde is wearily resigned, and Azolan's Introduction xxi.
Page xxxiii
... find it difficult to accept the moralizing Preface at its face value. If Laclos indeed intended it to be taken literally, then he is far more effective as a novelist than as a moralist. Valmont and Merteuil soar and cast their cynical ...
... find it difficult to accept the moralizing Preface at its face value. If Laclos indeed intended it to be taken literally, then he is far more effective as a novelist than as a moralist. Valmont and Merteuil soar and cast their cynical ...
Page 3
... age, any girl with a private income of sixty thousand francs* a year taking the veil nor the young and pretty wife of a presiding judge dying of grief. EDITOR'S PREFACE Although our readers may perhaps find this work,
... age, any girl with a private income of sixty thousand francs* a year taking the veil nor the young and pretty wife of a presiding judge dying of grief. EDITOR'S PREFACE Although our readers may perhaps find this work,
Page 4
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. EDITOR'S PREFACE Although our readers may perhaps find this work, or rather this collection ... find errors in a collection of letters written by ordinary people, since in all similar collections by different ...
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. EDITOR'S PREFACE Although our readers may perhaps find this work, or rather this collection ... find errors in a collection of letters written by ordinary people, since in all similar collections by different ...
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
able afraid agree August I7 can’t Cecile Cécile Volanges certainly charm Chateau Chevalier Danceny couldn’t Danceny’s daughter dear friend didn’t difficult distress doesn’t enjoy everything eyes fact fair lady fear feel finally find finding first fit forget forgive friendship Gercourt give Goodbye hand happy he’s heart honour hope I’ve imagine judge’s wife Laclos Laclos’s least leave Les Liaisons dangereuses letter Liaisons dangereuses libertine look lover Madame de Merteuil Madame de Rosemonde Madame de Tourvel Madame de Volanges Marquise de Merteuil merely mind Monsieur de Valmont never novel o’clock October I7 perhaps pleasure Prévan promise realize reason refuse reply sacrifice seems September I7 she’s soon Sophie sure talk tell there’s thing thought told unhappy Vicomte de Valmont Volanges girl wasn’t what’s who’s woman women won’t word write yesterday you’ll you’re you’ve young