Gustave Flaubert Collected editions

Gustave Flaubert (1821 – 1880) was a French novelist whose masterpiece Madame Bovary revolutionized literary realism. The novel’s unflinching portrait of Emma Bovary — a woman yearning for romance and excitement beyond her provincial life — challenged social norms and scandalized readers upon publication.

Flaubert’s meticulous style, marked by precision and rhythm, set a new standard for prose artistry. His dedication to “le mot juste” — the exact right word — influenced generations of writers.

Beyond Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert wrote Sentimental Education, Salammbô, and Three Tales, each revealing his mastery of narrative craft and psychological nuance.