One of the earliest exponents of the short story, Prosper Mérimée wrote the universally-acclaimed tale Carmen, which provided the basis for one of the world's most popular operas. In addition to this classic tale, the collection includes "Colomba," "Mateo Falcone," "The Storming of the Redoubt," "Tamango," "The Etruscan Vase," "The Game of Backgammon," "The Venus of Ille" and "Lokis."
Read More
Five of the stories selected here demonstrate Prosper Merimee's ability to explore the contrast between primitive and civilized values. In Mateo Falcone a Corsican's conception of honour forces him to exact a ruthless revenge; The Storming of the Redoubt describes an incident in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign; Tamango depicts a revolt of Negro slaves; The Etruscan Vase is a tale of passionate jealousy set in Paris; The Game of Backgammon is a study in fatal remorse.
Read Less