A magnificent new translation of Stendhal’s picaresque novel about love and intrigue in post- Napoleonic Europe

Judged by Balzac to be the most important French novel of its time, The Charterhouse of Parma is a classic portrait of aristocratic adventure. Fabrizio del Dongo, a headstrong and naive Italian grandee, defies the wrath of his right-wing father and goes to fight for Napoleon. But his dreams of military glory are dashed, drawing him back to Milan. There he becomes embroiled in a series of amorous exploits, fueled by his own impetuous nature and the political chicanery of his aunt and her wily lover. This is a colorful journey through extravagance, duplicity, and youthful daring.