Gérard de Nerval

Gérard de Nerval was a French writer, poet, and translator, associated with the Romantic movement. Born Gérard Labrunie on May 22, 1808, in Paris, he is best known for his collection of poems 'Les Chimères' and the novella 'Aurélia ou le rêve et la vie' which reflects his interest in dreams and the occult. Nerval's work is marked by its exploration of the subconscious and a fascination with the mystical and the oriental. His translations of Goethe's 'Faust' and the works of Heinrich Heine brought these German literary works to a French audience. Nerval struggled with mental illness throughout his life and tragically ended his life by suicide in 1855.

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. Sylvie

    Cover of 'Sylvie' by Gérard de Nerval

    "Sylvie" is a novella that blends memory, dream, and reality, telling the story of a narrator's romantic entanglements with three women: the eponymous Sylvie, a pastoral beauty from his childhood; Aurélie, an actress who represents his present infatuation; and Adrienne, a figure from a chivalric past. As the narrator oscillates between these women and the times they represent, he embarks on a quest for idealized love, only to confront the illusions of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of his desires. The narrative is a poignant exploration of time, memory, and the unattainable, set against the backdrop of the French countryside and the evocative ruins of a bygone era.

    The 7160th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Chimeras

    Cover of 'The Chimeras' by Gérard de Nerval

    "The Chimeras" is a collection of sonnets that delves into the realms of mythology, history, and personal introspection, weaving a tapestry of allegorical and symbolic imagery. The work reflects the author's fascination with the occult, the dreamlike, and the struggle between idealism and reality. Through the use of classical references and a deeply personal voice, the poems explore themes of love, despair, and the search for transcendence, offering a poignant look at the human condition and the poet's own troubled psyche. The sonnets stand as a testament to the author's lyrical prowess and his ability to find beauty amidst the shadows of his own mental turmoil.

    The 7160th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Aurelia

    Cover of 'Aurelia' by Gérard de Nerval

    "Aurelia" is a semi-autobiographical narrative blending reality with dreamlike visions, where the protagonist embarks on a profound and surreal journey through his psyche following a descent into madness. The work is a poignant exploration of the author's own experiences with mental illness, unrequited love, and existential anguish. It delves into themes of the supernatural, the occult, and the interplay between dreams and waking life, as the narrator seeks to reconcile his internal turmoil and find a deeper understanding of his soul and the universe. The narrative is rich with symbolic imagery and introspective passages that reflect the author's fascination with the mystical and his quest for spiritual transcendence.

    The 7160th Greatest Book of All Time