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With a new Introduction by Cedric Watts- Research Professor of English- University of Sussex.Guy de Maupassant was a master of the short story. This collection displays his lively diversity- with tales that vary in theme and tone- ranging from tragedy and satire to comedy and farce. In a lucidly direct style- he provides unflinching realism and sceptical irony. He depicts the deceptions- hypocrisies and vanities at different levels of society. Prostitution is frankly described- while the harshness of war is deftly exposed.His tales have been televised and have influenced films- operas and rock music. Unillusioned but humane- Maupassant remains our contemporary....