Les liaisons dangereuses, volume 1 (of 2) / or, Letters collected in a private society and published for the instruction of others

Name: Les liaisons dangereuses, volume 1 (of 2) / or, Letters collected in a private society and published for the instruction of others
Author: Choderlos de Laclos

By Choderlos de Laclos

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About This Book

The narrative is assembled from letters exchanged among members of an elite social circle, each voice disclosing private schemes and motives. Two seasoned manipulators orchestrate seductions and betrayals that draw in a devout woman, an inexperienced young woman, and a hopeful young musician, treating intimacy as a tool of influence. The correspondence lays bare hypocrisy, sexual politics, and the fragile value of reputation while shifting perspective between conspirators and victims. As secrets accumulate, the letters trace the widening harm of calculated deceit and leave readers with unresolved questions about responsibility and moral consequence.

About the Author

Choderlos de Laclos

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos was a French novelist and army officer, best known for his epistolary novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" (1782). This provocative work explores themes of seduction, manipulation, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of the French aristocracy. Laclos's sharp social commentary and intricate characterizations have made the novel a classic of French literature, influencing countless adaptations in various media. Beyond his literary contributions, Laclos served in the military, which provided him with insights into the societal structures he critiqued in his writing. His work remains a significant part of the literary heritage of the 18th century.