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The Immortal Or, One Of The "Forty." (L'immortel) - 1877   By: (1840-1897)

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The Immortal Or, One of the "Forty" is a remarkable novel penned by the renowned French author, Alphonse Daudet. Published in 1877, this thought-provoking literary work delves into themes of immortality, vanity, and the pursuit of fame.

The story revolves around a secret society, known as the "Forty," comprised of members who believe they have discovered the key to eternal life. Each member of the society undergoes a peculiar initiation ceremony involving the ingestion of a secret elixir. However, one member, the central protagonist, diverges from the rest. Rather than drinking the elixir, he deliberately avoids it, choosing instead to observe his companions' physical and emotional transformations with utmost scrutiny.

Daudet masterfully crafts a narrative that explores the psychological elements of immortality. The protagonist becomes an outsider within the society, forced to confront the immense temptation of immortality while witnessing its harrowing consequences on his peers. Through his observations, the reader is exposed to the seductive yet treacherous nature of longevity. The author brilliantly portrays the gradual deterioration of the "Forty," as their obsession with immortality consumes them, ultimately leading them to a tragic fate.

One of the most captivating aspects of this novel lies in Daudet's eloquent prose. His writing style seamlessly transports the reader into the heart of France during the late 19th century. The vivid descriptions of Parisian streets, the decadence of salons, and the characters' inner struggles are all painted with rich detail. Daudet manages to evoke a combination of both awe and unease with his evocative language, challenging the reader to reflect on the broader implications of unquenchable desire and the allure of eternal life.

Furthermore, the characterization within The Immortal Or, One of the "Forty" is exceptionally well-done. The protagonist stands as a symbol of human curiosity and the quest for knowledge, providing a relatable perspective amidst the fantastical premise of the novel. The remaining members of the "Forty" are also distinctively portrayed, each representing a different facet of human nature when confronted with the prospect of everlasting life. This diverse cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story, further enhancing its overall impact.

While The Immortal Or, One of the "Forty" is an undoubtedly captivating read, it might not be suitable for those seeking a fast-paced plot. Daudet's deliberate pacing allows the narrative to unfold gradually, focusing more on introspection and philosophical contemplation rather than action. As such, readers seeking a thrilling adventure may find the novel's introspective nature overwhelming or slow-paced at times.

In conclusion, Alphonse Daudet's The Immortal Or, One of the "Forty" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the human desire for immortality and the consequences that accompany such pursuits. Daudet's masterful prose and intricate characterization elevate the narrative, making it a truly captivating read for those who appreciate introspective literature.

First Page:

THE IMMORTAL;

OR, ONE OF THE "FORTY." (L'IMMORTEL.)

By Alphonse Daudet,

Translated From The French By A. W. Verrall And Margaret D. G. Verrall

Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers 1889

IMMORTAL; OR, THE "FORTY." (L'IMMORTEL)

CHAPTER I.

In the 1880 edition of Men of the Day, under the heading Astier Réhu , may be read the following notice:

Astier, commonly called Astier Réhu (Pierre Alexandre Léonard), Member of the Académie Française, was born in 1816 at Sauvagnat (Puy de Dôme). His parents belonged to the class of small farmers. He displayed from his earliest years a remarkable aptitude for the study of history. His education, begun at Riom and continued at Louis le Grand, where he was afterwards to re appear as professor, was more sound than is now fashionable, and secured his admission to the Ecole Normale Supérieure, from which he went to the Chair of History at the Lycée of Mende. It was here that he wrote the Essay on Marcus Aurelius, crowned by the Académie Française. Called to Paris the following year by M. de Salvandy, the young and brilliant professor showed his sense of the discerning favour extended to him by publishing, in rapid succession, The Great Ministers of Louis XIV. (crowned by the Académie Française), Bonaparte and the Concordat (crowned by the Académie Française), and the admirable Introduction to the History of the House of Orleans, a magnificent prologue to the work which was to occupy twenty years of his life... Continue reading book >>




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