Octave Mirbeau Book order

Following the twin trails of desire and depravity to a shocking, sadistic paradise - a garden in China where torture is practiced as an art form - a dissolute Frenchman discovers the true depths of degradation beyond his prior bourgeois imaginings. Entranced by a resolute Englishwoman whose capacity for debauchery knows no bounds, he capitulates to her every whim amid an ecstatic yet tormenting incursion of visions, scents, caresses, pleasures, horrors, and fantastic atrocities.

A fictionalized account of Honoré de Balzac's death, this work delves into the darker themes of mortality and legacy. Translated into English for the first time by Brian Stableford, it showcases Octave Mirbeau's unique narrative style and complex characterizations. The book offers a profound exploration of the literary world and its giants, providing insight into Balzac's life and the impact of his work on French literature.

Set in the late 19th century, this diary offers a candid glimpse into the life of a chambermaid, revealing her thoughts and experiences within the confines of a luxurious household. Through her eyes, readers encounter the complexities of class dynamics, personal aspirations, and the often unrecognized struggles of domestic workers. The narrative blends sharp social commentary with intimate reflections, making it a profound exploration of gender and class in a rapidly changing society.

The narrative explores the psychological and sexual awakening of Sebastien Roch, a young boy in Belle Epoque France, as he transitions from innocence to corruption during his time at a Jesuit college. His journey is marked by disillusionment, culminating in a tragic death at 21 on the battlefield. This poignant tale reflects the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of life, juxtaposed with Mirbeau's lyrical prose that evokes both serene beauty and stark excess, completing the trilogy of "angry young man" novels.

The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by providing an affordable, high-quality edition that remains true to the original.

Part two of Octave Mirbeau's autobiographical trilogy, ABBE JULES tells of a priest's lifelong struggle with his passions. With the realism of Zola and the decadent vision of D'Aurevilly, and reflecting the impressionism of Monet, Pissaro and Van Gogh, Mirbeau's novel presents us with a small boy's vision of provincial France, where family, education and religion conspire to produce a petit bourgeois tortured by repressed desire, violent fantasies, and forbidden lusts.

The novel is regarded as significant in the literary canon, offering valuable insights for future generations. It has been preserved in its original print format, complete with intentional marks and annotations, to maintain its authenticity and historical context. This approach emphasizes the book's enduring relevance and the importance of its contributions to literature.

The Torture Garden begins as a conventional narrative, a drawing room discussion, the subject however is murderers and their role in society. It then develops into a tale of decadent sensuality before reaching the exquisitely beautiful Chinese Garden, the scene of the most violent and horrific tortures imaginable.