Andre Gide
André Gide was a French author and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947. Known for his fiction as well as autobiographical works, Gide's literary works explored themes of self-discovery and morality. Some of his notable works include 'The Immoralist', 'The Counterfeiters', and 'Strait is the Gate'. Gide's work is known for its stylistic innovation and philosophical depth.
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.
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1. The Vatican Cellars
The novel unfolds as a satirical adventure, delving into the complexities of faith, deception, and the human quest for meaning. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, it follows the journey of Lafcadio, a young man whose paths cross with an eclectic mix of characters, including anarchists, aristocrats, and religious figures, each embroiled in their own pursuits of ideology, power, and salvation. Central to the plot is a meticulously planned hoax involving the Pope, which spirals into a series of events that challenge the characters' beliefs and intentions. Through its intricate narrative and sharp critique of societal norms, the book explores themes of morality, authenticity, and the absurdity of human endeavors.
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2. Corydon
"Corydon" is a series of dialogues that delve into the nature of homosexuality and its place in society. The work, structured as a classical philosophical discourse, presents a series of arguments that challenge the prevailing attitudes of the early 20th century, advocating for a more enlightened view of homosexuality. Through the conversations between the eponymous protagonist and his interlocutors, the text explores various aspects of love, art, and biology, ultimately making a case for the naturalness and moral neutrality of same-sex attraction, and calling for a greater acceptance of what was then considered a taboo subject.
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3. Lafcadio's Adventure
The book is a philosophical tale that follows the journey of a young, innocent man who is thrust into a world of temptation and moral ambiguity. As he travels, he encounters various characters and experiences that challenge his understanding of virtue, vice, and the complexities of human nature. The protagonist's adventure becomes a metaphor for the quest for self-knowledge and the struggle to reconcile the purity of one's inner self with the often-corrupting influences of society and personal desire. Through his experiences, the book explores themes of innocence, experience, and the search for authenticity in a world that often rewards artifice and compromise.
