Afloat

By Guy de Maupassant and Laura Ensor

Book Overview

Embark on a literary journey to the sun-kissed French Riviera with Guy de Maupassant's "Afloat (Sur l'eau)". This collection of travel essays offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century France, showcasing Maupassant's keen observations and evocative prose. More than just a travelogue, "Afloat" is a window into a bygone era, inviting readers to experience the allure of the Riviera through the eyes of a master storyteller.

Explore the landscapes and culture of the French coast, guided by Maupassant's insightful commentary. This meticulously prepared print edition preserves the original charm and historical significance of the work, making it a valuable addition to any collection of classic travel writing. Discover the enduring appeal of Maupassant's reflections on travel, nature, and the human condition in this timeless work.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023406446
• ISBN13: 9781023406444
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 98 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

thumping good read

a wonderous interplay between sea and society, poorGuy he craved society yet it anoyed him. he seems happiest talking about the sea and gossiping. his meditations are a good read take it with you on a criuse, l did

From rant to poetry

Slim book of essays written during a sailing journey, the tone ranges from beautiful, poetic descriptions of the ocean, weather, islands, and coastlines to--at the drop of a hat--hilarious rants against humanity. Imagine a colicky Thoreau and you've got the idea. Well worth the journey: sharply observed sketches of our world a century ago but as timely and accurate in its depictions of human conflict as anything written today.

Afloat

As a sailor I read this little book like reading a yacht's log book. The device is fresh and alive. Much of how he wrote it captures the feeling of being with him on that yacht with the wind taking Guy, you and a wide range of thoughts anywhere on a whim. You are always brought back to the "Bel-Ami" itself to move forward-book as yacht. It has been said that to understand the French you had to read Guy de Maupassant. Well, to understand the spirit of the sailing life it doesn't hurt to read him either. Delightful.

Maupassant's Diary

"Afloat" does not resemble anything else written by Maupassant. It is a true story (as indicated at the end) and is based on his personal travel. It has some amusing descriptions of the French Reviera and Monaco, but also contains some grim philosophical thoughts that explain some things about Maupassant, not the least of which is why he ended up in a mental hospital.