Adolphe (riverrun editions)

This edition of Adolphe revives a classic tale of love and self-destruction, exploring themes of autofiction and moral purpose.

The Adolphe (riverrun editions) presents a fresh edition of Benjamin Constant's renowned work, featuring Walker's translation and Constant's preface for the first time since 1817. This narrative, published in 1816, delves into a tragic love affair between the narrator and his lover, Ellenore. Their relationship is marked by a profound sense of self-destruction, encapsulating the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of unfulfilled desires.

In Adolphe, Constant employs autofiction, blending autobiography with fiction, which was a pioneering approach during a time when personal experiences heavily influenced creative writing. The author aimed to craft a narrative that not only served as a moral lesson but also acted as a means of personal vindication against his former lover, Madame de Stael. This dual purpose lends the story a unique depth, transforming it into a Racinian tragedy in prose.

Upon its release, Constant faced accusations that the novel mirrored real-life figures, which he vehemently denied. The English translation by Alexander Walker, closely overseen by Constant, has been described as 'an eccentrically bevelled jewel of Regency prose' by Richard Sieburth. This new edition of Adolphe revitalizes interest in a classic that continues to resonate with readers today.