Madame de La Fayette

Madame de La Fayette was a French writer known for her novel 'La Princesse de Clèves,' which is considered one of the first historical novels and a precursor to the modern psychological novel.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Princess of Cleves

    Cover of 'The Princess of Cleves' by Madame de La Fayette

    Set in the royal court of Henry II of France, the novel follows the life of a beautiful young woman, newly presented at court, who attracts the attention of many suitors, including the King's son. However, she is married off to a man she does not love, the Prince of Cleves. Despite her loyalty to her husband, she falls in love with the Duke of Nemours. The novel explores themes of duty, honor, and the conflict between passion and reason as the protagonist struggles with her feelings and the moral implications of her love for the Duke.

    The 367th Greatest Book of All Time