Alphonse Daudet was a highly popular nineteenth-century French novelist, whose work radiated humour and good cheer. Few knew that for his entire adult life he suffered from syphilis, a disease both unmentionable and incurable at the time. What even fewer realised was that he kept an intimate notebook in which he recorded the development and terrifying effects of the disease.

Describing a life in pain, and the sometimes alarming treatments he underwent, Daudet's journal is unique for its comic zest, lucid self-examination and stoicism. Translated by the Booker Prize-winning writer Julian Barnes.

Why You Should Read?

• Provides a rare first-person account of living with and battling syphilis during the 19th century.
• Offers a unique blend of comic zest, lucid self-examination, and stoicism in the face of immense pain.
• Presents insights into the treatments and medical understanding of the time, highlighting their limitations.
• Allows readers to explore the hidden struggles of a celebrated author known for his joyful writing.

About the Author

Alphonse Daudet was a highly popular nineteenth-century French novelist. His work, though often filled with humor, masked a life battling syphilis. This journal, kept throughout his adult life, offers a raw and intimate look into the development and effects of the disease, providing a unique perspective on suffering and resilience. His clear and engaging writing makes complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.