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

Name: Les liaisons dangereuses, volume 2 (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

A sustained correspondence among members of aristocratic society chronicles calculated schemes of seduction, rivalry, and revenge. Two former intimates manipulate others to assert power, exploiting youthful innocence and social expectations while a devoted suitor and a devout woman suffer from deceit. The epistolary structure exposes competing perspectives and private rationalizations, revealing hypocrisy, shifting alliances, and the corrosive effects of vanity and desire. As letters multiply, reputations are weaponized, emotional wreckage accumulates, and moral consequences lead to tragic outcomes, offering a portrait of interpersonal power struggles and the performative nature of social life.

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.