Camille: (La Dame Aux Camilias)
- 210 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Alexandre Dumas fils was a French playwright and novelist whose work was deeply shaped by his personal experiences and the social attitudes of his era. His writing frequently explored moral dilemmas, particularly the status of illegitimate children and the position of women in society. Dumas fils gained renown through his successful adaptations of his novels for the stage, establishing himself as a creator of modern French tragedy. His literary legacy lies in his candid portrayal of relationships and social conventions, which continues to resonate.






The narrative unfolds through a letter from Pierre Clemenceau, an illegitimate child, to a judge while he is imprisoned. Reflecting on his troubled upbringing, he critiques the societal injustices faced by women and children in 19th-century France. Pierre's life is marked by bullying, distrust, and a descent into crime, stemming from his mother's secrecy about his father. He grapples with guilt over his mother's struggles and questions a society that absolves men of paternal responsibility. This edition presents a classic work of French literature for contemporary readers.
"Claudius Ruprecht, an orphan unaware of his lineage, embarks on a journey through Germany after joining Wilna University. In Munich, he becomes embroiled in a duel with Major von Sendlingen and seeks refuge with a girl he saved. However, an old beggar woman reveals his true identity, leading to a revenge plot against him."
Alexandre Dumas "fils," the son of a Paris dressmaker, was educated by his father, the famous author Dumas "père." Despite his privileged upbringing, he grappled with the memory of his mother, reflected in his works like "Camille" and "The Son of Clemenceau." He passed away in 1895 and is buried in Montmartre, Paris.
The narrative revolves around Duplessis, who transforms into the character Violetta Valéry, embodying themes of love and sacrifice. Originally adapted into a play titled Camille, it later inspired Verdi's renowned opera, La Traviata, in 1853. The story explores the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires, showcasing the poignant journey of its central character through love, loss, and redemption.
The Lady of the Camellias
This Signet Classic is the only available paperback edition of the famous story of passion versus class that remains as timeless as love itself. Features a new Introduction and a 16-page photo insert. Reissue.