Over Strand and Field: A Record of Travel through Brittany

"Over Strand and Field: A Record of Travel through Brittany" by Gustave Flaubert is a travel narrative likely written in the late 19th century. The work vividly details the author's explorations through the scenic and historic landscapes of Brittany, France, reflecting upon various châteaux, towns, and regional life along the way. The book captures both the beauty and melancholy of the region's architecture and terrain, immersing readers in Flaubert's rich and expressive observations. The opening of the text sets a reflective tone as Flaubert strolls through the Château de Chambord, where he observes the decay and neglect surrounding its once-grand halls. He feels a deep sadness at the sight of its "conscious poverty," which he describes in contrasting terms of past opulence and current desolation. The descriptive narrative continues as he moves to other locations, such as the Château d'Amboise and Chenonceaux, where he expresses wonder at the architecture, flora, and the very essence of history imbued in these sites. This introductory portion establishes a profound connection to the settings, revealing both the beauty of Brittany's landscapes and the haunting echoes of history that impact the modern viewer. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Gustave Flaubert was a French novelist. He has been considered the leading exponent of literary realism in his country and abroad. According to the literary theorist Kornelije Kvas, "in Flaubert, realism strives for formal perfection, so the presentation of reality tends to be neutral, emphasizing the values and importance of style as an objective method of presenting reality". He is known especially for his debut novel Madame Bovary (1857), his Correspondence, and his scrupulous devotion to his style and aesthetics. The celebrated short story writer Guy de Maupassant was a protégé of Flaubert.