Penguin Classics: Bel-Ami

Translated with an introduction by Douglas Parmee.

Written when Guy De Maupassant was at the height of his powers, but already under sentence of death from syphilis, ‘Bel-Ami’ explores the extremes of splendour and squalor, life and death.

Georges Duroy, “Bel-Ami”, is a provincial determined to succeed in the corrupt Paris of the Third Republic. At first naive, he soon begins to understand the truth behind the scenes – the sleaziness, manipulation and mediocrity which underlie the facade of elegant salons and tantalising conversations – and learns that the exploitation of women and sex attains quicker results than mere talent and hard work.

In this analysis of power and its corrupting influence, Guy De Maupassant captures the shifting nuances of the Parisian belle epoque and depicts every scene and every character with wit, sensitivity and humanity.