Butterball (Hesperus Classics) [Paperback]

Guy de Maupassant (Author), Germaine Greer (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003 | Series: Hesperus Classics

Set during the Franco-Prussian war, Butterball is a sympathetic portrayal of a prostitute’s mistreatment at the hands of a cold-hearted bourgeoisie. It is published here with a selection of stories about prostitutes, making this a unique collection. When Butterball’s carriage is halted by Prussian soldiers, they demand her sexual services as ransom. Her fellow passengers—hitherto disdainful of her company—are suddenly more than happy to benefit from her “immoral” trade. But Butterball is a loyal French nationalist, and she refuses to sleep with the enemy. Through the warmth and generosity of his heroine, Maupassant exposes the hypocrisy of the French middle class. French writer Guy de Maupassant is most famous for his short stories, which depict the humdrum fate of the middle and working classes.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach and new translations. Through these short classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of genuine rediscoveries.

About the Author

The French writer and novelist Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a literary disciple of Flaubert and Zola. He is most famous for his short stories which depict the humdrum fate of the middle- and working-classes. Born in Australia, writer and feminist Germaine Greer is most famous for the hugely influential feminist treatise: The Female Eunuch.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Hesperus Press (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843910470
• ISBN-13: 978-1843910473
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 3.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,902,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mmmmm, Butterball, September 10, 2004

By 

Tory "toryofmaine" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Butterball (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

Butterball is just an amazing illustration of class and shifting morals. Our poor heroine is viewed first by her fellow travelers as being below contempt. This view changes after she decides to share her food with them. Again, poor Butterball's companions shift their views and try and sell her to the Prussians. This is an immensely silly novella with a serious commentary. After you read it, it is hard to be ride of its impression.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars `, December 31, 2005

By 

myshiak (washington, dc) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Butterball (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

A retailer, a factory owner and a count, all accompanied by their wifes, are joined by two nunns and a squanderer to show the utter hypocricy of the society at the time of the Franco-Prussian war. The novel also shows the role that the common people play in the war (referring to the fishermen and boatmen fishing out bodies of dead Germans from the water early in the story. The Butterball herself is shown from a very positive side, displaying humanity and generosity.