In this vigorous and fast-moving novel of post-Napoleonic France, Julien Sorel\047s plans to reach the higher echelons of society through the priesthood are defelected by his realization that the attainment of happiness is of greater consequence than the pursuit of ambition. Subtitled \047A Chronicle of 1830\047, Stendhal\047s depiction of a nation of smug hypocrites scandalized contemporary readers, who recognized themselves or their peers and felt uncomfortable with the energy, imagination, and sincerity of a hero so patently inspired by their lately deposed Emperor. Julien\047s restless energy is fully captured in this specially commissioned translation of one of the world\047s great novels.