In this vigorous and fast-moving novel of post-Napoleonic France, Julien Sorel's plans to reach the higher echelons of society through the priesthood are defelected by his realization that the attainment of happiness is of greater consequence than the pursuit of ambition. Subtitled 'A Chronicle of 1830', Stendhal's depiction of a nation of smug hypocrites scandalized contemporary readers, who recognized themselves or their peers and felt uncomfortable with the energy, imagination, and sincerity of a hero so patently inspired by their lately deposed Emperor. Julien's restless energy is fully captured in this specially commissioned translation of one of the world's great novels. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

司汤达（1783年-1842年）是十九世纪法国杰出的批判现实主义作家。他的一生并不长，不到六十年，而且他在文学上起步很晚，三十几岁才开始发表作品。然而，他却给人类留下了巨大的精神遗产，包括数部长篇，数十个短篇或故事，数百万字的文论、随笔和散文，游记。 他以准确的人物心理分析和凝练的笔法而闻名。他被认为是最重要和最早的现实主义的实践者之一。最有名的作品是《红与黑》（1830）和《巴马修道院》（1839）。