Madame Bovary. Gustav Flaubert. Illustrated by John Austen. Abbey Library. Hardback.

Hardback, no dj. 416 pages plus end pages with decoration. 22 x 14.5 x 4 cm. 650 g. approx.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, illustrated by John Austen, is a classic French novel that explores themes of desire, disillusionment, and social aspiration. Flaubert's tale of Emma Bovary, a provincial woman who seeks escape from her mundane life through affairs and extravagant spending, is considered one of the most significant works in literary history for its deep psychological insight and its critique of romanticism and the limitations of bourgeois society.

This illustrated edition, with artwork by John Austen, is part of the Abbey Library series, which typically features high-quality, elegantly bound editions of classic works. John Austen's illustrations complement Flaubert’s writing by adding a visual dimension to the emotional and moral depth of the story. Austen was known for his skill in illustrating books from the early 20th century, often using his distinctive line-drawing style to evoke the mood of the text.

A hardback edition like this would be a lovely addition to a collection of illustrated classics, especially for those who appreciate vintage book design and artwork. The Abbey Library editions are often sought after by collectors due to their fine production and attention to detail.

Ref: 1371. (V).