The Barber of Paris

"The Barber of Paris" by Paul de Kock is a novel likely written in the early 19th century. The story unfolds in 1632 Paris, focusing on the life of a barber, Touquet, and the peculiar circumstances surrounding him, particularly concerning a young girl named Blanche, whom he has taken under his wing. The narrative promises a blend of humor, social commentary, and intrigue, with themes surrounding love, innocence, and the trials of urban life. The opening of the novel introduces the setting of a rain-soaked December evening, where the barber, Touquet, is returning home to his modest establishment in a chaotic Paris filled with crime and disorder. As he arrives, he is welcomed by his elderly servant, Marguerite, who recounts the happenings of the day, including visits from boisterous young men and the mention of Blanche, an innocent girl he is determined to protect from the perils of the world outside. The reader begins to sense the deep care Touquet has for Blanche, along with foreshadowing hints of the societal threats she may encounter from various suitors, including the titular marquis, indicating a rollercoaster of emotional drama and mischief in future chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Paul de Kock was a French novelist. Although one of the most popular writers of his day in terms of book sales, he acquired a literary reputation for low-brow output in poor taste. In 2021 Brad Bigelow wrote: "Today, if we set aside over-priced print on demand reprints of his ancient editions, the works of Paul de Kock haven't seen a new English edition in at least a century."