Synopsis This book is a compilation of classic short stories by five great French writers – Guy De Maupassant, Honore De Balzac, Victor Hugo, Anatole France and Pierre Louys. Though not necessarily representative of the authors complete works, the stories have been carefully chosen to showcase their versatility and skill as storytellers. The collection covers and extraordinary range of themes, styles and setting, allowing the reader to get a glimpse of another world gone by. Yet, these stories seem timeless, and the characters in them show the same foibles, fears and hopes as people in the brave new world of the 21st century.