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Set against the feverish backdrop of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, this tale follows a displaced nobleman who finds refuge in the modest town of La Bourbe. There he encounters the flamboyant deputy Casimir Bertrand, a man whose shifting loyalties and hedonistic energy mirror the chaos of the era. Their uneasy friendship opens a window onto the bewildering politics and daily survival of a society in upheaval.
Through witty dialogue and vivid observations, the narrator navigates secret meetings, whispered conspiracies, and the ever‑present danger of the guillotine. The story blends sharp satire with moments of genuine tension as the protagonists grapple with loyalty, fear, and the lure of liberty’s promises. Listeners are drawn into a world where personal indulgence collides with revolutionary fervor, offering both humor and a thoughtful glimpse into a tumultuous chapter of history.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (383K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS, 1898.
Credits
an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer
Release date
2022-12-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1854–1918
Best remembered for his eerie ghost stories and sensation novels, this prolific English writer published more than 40 books and helped shape popular late-Victorian and Edwardian fiction. His work ranges from supernatural tales to historical adventures, with a knack for atmosphere and suspense.
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