On Love (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A French Romantic Essay on Passion, Crystallization, and the Psychology of DesireBy Stendhal
Length13h 15m
About this audiobook
Stendhal's On Love (1822) is a brilliant hybrid of essay, psychological treatise, aphorism, and literary confession. Best known for its theory of "crystallization," the process by which imagination adorns the beloved with ideal qualities, the book dissects passion with the precision of an observer and the vulnerability of a wounded lover. Written in the aftermath of Enlightenment rationalism and at the threshold of Romantic introspection, it anticipates modern psychology while retaining the elegance and irony of French moralist prose. Stendhal, born Henri Beyle, brought to this work the experiences of a cosmopolitan life shaped by Napoleonic Europe, Italian culture, and repeated emotional disappointment. His unrequited passion for Métilde Dembowski in Milan is often regarded as the immediate biographical source of the book's intensity. The same analytical temperament that later animated The Red and the Black and The Charterhouse of Parma here turns inward, transforming private suffering into a general anatomy of desire. On Love is recommended for readers interested in the literature of passion, the history of psychology, and the origins of modern self-analysis. It rewards those who value intellectual candor, stylistic brilliance, and a remarkably contemporary understanding of how love is imagined, endured, and misunderstood.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenrePhilosophy
Length13 hrs 15 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateApr 9, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1On Love (Annotated)
43CHAPTER XXXIII
2Introduction
44CHAPTER XXXIV OF CONFIDENCES
3Synopsis
45CHAPTER XXXV OF JEALOUSY
4Historical Context
46CHAPTER XXXVI OF JEALOUSY—(continued)
5Author Biography
47CHAPTER XXXVII ROXANA
Show all chaptersShow less
6INTRODUCTORY PREFACE TO THE TRANSLATION
48CHAPTER XXXVIII OF SELF-ESTEEM PIQUED [1]
7PREFACE
49CHAPTER XXXIX OF QUARRELSOME LOVE
8PREFACE
50CHAPTER XXXIX (Part II) REMEDIES AGAINST LOVE
9PREFACE
51CHAPTER XXXIX (Part III)
10BOOK I
52BOOK II
11CHAPTER I OF LOVE
53CHAPTER XL
12CHAPTER II OF THE BIRTH OF LOVE
54CHAPTER XLI OF NATIONS WITH REGARD TO LOVE. FRANCE
13CHAPTER III OF HOPE
55CHAPTER XLII FRANCE (continued)
14CHAPTER IV
56CHAPTER XLIII ITALY (27)
15CHAPTER V
57CHAPTER XLIV ROME
16CHAPTER VI THE CRYSTALS OF SALZBURG
58CHAPTER XLV ENGLAND (31)
17CHAPTER VII DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BIRTH OF LOVE IN THE TWO SEXES
59CHAPTER XLVI ENGLAND—(continued)
18CHAPTER VIII
60CHAPTER XLVII SPAIN (36)
19CHAPTER IX
61CHAPTER XLVIII GERMAN LOVE (37)
20CHAPTER X
62CHAPTER XLIX A DAY IN FLORENCE
21CHAPTER XI
63CHAPTER L LOVE IN THE UNITED STATES (41)
22CHAPTER XII FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF CRYSTALLISATION
64CHAPTER LI LOVE IN PROVENCE UP TO THE CONQUEST OF TOULOUSE, IN 1328, BY THE BARBARIANS FROM THE NORTH
23CHAPTER XIII OF THE FIRST STEP; OF THE FASHIONABLE WORLD; OF MISFORTUNES
65CHAPTER LII (39) PROVENCE IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY
24CHAPTER XIV
66CHAPTER LIII ARABIA
25CHAPTER XV
67CHAPTER LIV (43) OF THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN
26CHAPTER XVI
68CHAPTER LV (43) OBJECTIONS TO THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN
27CHAPTER XVII BEAUTY DETHRONED BY LOVE
69CHAPTER LVI (43) OBJECTIONS TO THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN (continued)
28CHAPTER XVIII LIMITATIONS OF BEAUTY
70CHAPTER LVI (Part II) ON MARRIAGE
29CHAPTER XIX LIMITATIONS OF BEAUTY—(continued)
71CHAPTER LVII OF VIRTUE, SO CALLED
30CHAPTER XX
72CHAPTER LVIII STATE OF EUROPE WITH REGARD TO MARRIAGE
31CHAPTER XXI LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
73CHAPTER LIX WERTHER AND DON JUAN
32CHAPTER XXII OF INFATUATION
74BOOK III
33CHAPTER XXIII THE THUNDERBOLT FROM THE BLUE (11)
75SCATTERED FRAGMENTS
34CHAPTER XXIV VOYAGE IN AN UNKNOWN LAND
76APPENDIX
35CHAPTER XXV THE INTRODUCTION
77ON THE COURTS OF LOVE
36CHAPTER XXVI OF MODESTY
78CODE OF LOVE OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY
37CHAPTER XXVII THE GLANCE
79NOTE ON ANDRÉ LE CHAPELAIN
38CHAPTER XXVIII OF FEMININE PRIDE
80TRANSLATORS' NOTES
39CHAPTER XXIX OF WOMEN'S COURAGE
81Analysis
40CHAPTER XXX A PECULIAR AND MOURNFUL SPECTACLE
82Reflection
41CHAPTER XXXI EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF SALVIATI
83Memorable Quotes
42CHAPTER XXXII OF INTIMATE INTERCOURSE
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