The Red and the Black

Julien Sorel, a young man from the French countryside, seeks to elevate his status in Parisian society but faces the harsh realities of ambition, deception, and hypocrisy. Despite his talent and hard work, he struggles against the limitations imposed on those of humble origins. His journey culminates in a tragic crime of passion, showcasing Stendhal's psychological depth and literary brilliance. Set against the backdrop of the July Revolution of 1830, the novel explores profound social conflicts of the era. This edition features a translation by Horace B. Samuel.