Brief Lives: Stendhal

Stendhal (1783–1842), the pen name for Marie-Henri Beyle, is remembered today as one of the originators of the modern novel and a founder of realism. During his lifetime, however, he was reputed to be a religious dissident and was perhaps best 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. Stendhal’s politics, ambitions, and many passionate love affairs are all addressed along with his complex relationship with his younger sister, Pauline.