Table Of ContentIntroduction THE BEACH Alain Robbe-Grillet translated by Barbara Wright THE SEVEN-LEAGUE BOOTS Marcel Ayme translated by Norman Denny THE FASHIONABLE TIGER Jean Ferry translated by Jean Stewart THE OFFENSIVE Henri Thomas translated by Ken Thomson CUCKOLDED, HANGED AND HAPPY Marcel Jouhandeau translated by Rayner Heppenstall THE TROJAN HORSE Raymond Queneau translated by Barbara Wright THE LITTLE SQUARE Pierre Gascar translated by Val Cohen THE CHALLENGE Philippe Sollers translated by Jean Stewart Biographical Notes on Authors Notes on French Texts
SynopsisOriginally written to entertain, move or chill, the eight short stories in this collection accompanied by parallel English translations now also help students gain deeper insights into French literature and life. Arranged in approximate order of difficulty, the range of stories is wide, from the stylized wit of Raymond Queneau to the beautifully written ambiguities of Philippe Sollers, from Pierre Gascar's exploration of childhood as a background to a tale of infidelity to Henri Thomas's gentle, ironic look at war. All make wonderful reads in either language.