Description

Clochemerle is a classic satirical novel by Gabriel Chevallier, first published in 1934, with this edition dated 1954. This Illustrated hardcover is a humorous and often Rabelaisian tale of life in a small French town and the chaos caused by the installation of a public urinal. It is a beloved piece of 20th-century French Literature.

Synopsis

Title: Clochemerle
Author/Publisher: Gabriel Chevallier / Secker and Warburg
Publication Year: 1954
Format: Illustrated Hardcover

Originally published in 1934, Gabriel Chevallier's *Clochemerle* is a cornerstone of 20th-century French satirical fiction. This particular offering is the highly regarded 1954 illustrated hardcover edition, presented in English translation, capturing the essence of Chevallier's beloved narrative for a wider audience.

The novel transports readers to the sleepy, provincial French village of Clochemerle-en-Beaujolais. What begins as a seemingly innocuous municipal project – the installation of a public urinal – swiftly escalates into a hilarious and often Rabelaisian series of events, laying bare the petty rivalries, moral hypocrisies, and entrenched customs of its colourful inhabitants.

• The Catalyst for Chaos: The simple proposal of erecting a 'vespasienne' (public urinal) becomes the unlikely spark for an explosion of conflict. Chevallier ingeniously uses this singular event to unravel the social fabric of Clochemerle, revealing the absurdity and drama hidden beneath the surface of rural life.
• A Rich Tapestry of Characters: From the ambitious mayor, Barthélémy Piéchut, and the staunchly traditional curé, Ponosse, to the scandalous local beauty and the opinionated villagers, *Clochemerle* introduces a memorable ensemble. Each character embodies a facet of provincial French society, contributing to the novel's vibrant and humorous depiction.
• Sharp Social Satire: Beyond its comedic surface, *Clochemerle* offers a biting satire on human nature, local politics, religious piety, and class distinctions. Chevallier's wit is both entertaining and insightful, providing a timeless commentary on the universal follies that govern communities.

As an enduring classic of French humour and a masterclass in social observation, *Clochemerle* continues to delight and provoke. This vintage 1954 illustrated hardcover edition represents a charming presentation of a work that remains highly regarded for its wit, its memorable characters, and its trenchant, yet affectionate, critique of small-town life.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications

Shipping

• We ship every business day, on occasion we may post the same day but expect it to be shipped on the next business day with tracking.
• We offer Express Post & International Shipping.
• Where an item exceeds Australia Post weights or dimensions, we utilise a courier. In this case we are unable to ship to PO Boxes.
• Items are packed in padded bubble mailers, with exception of thin paperbacks or magazines or DVDs that are sent in cardboard envelopes.
• Large book sets are carefully packaged in boxes with packaging material to eliminate movement.

Return Policy

We are here to help! If you are unhappy with your purchase or you feel we've made a mistake, contact us and we are more than happy to assist to make your experience a positive one!

If we still can't solve the issue and you need to return your item, you can! Contact us within 30 days of the purchase for returns. Thereafter, we do not accept returns. Shipping costs are at the buyers expense.

Environmental Impact

We are one of the few sellers that package our items with not only great care but environmental impact consideration. We're committed to a carbon-neutral parcel delivery through Australia Post which provides positive environmental and social impacts.

We utilise the following packaging:

• Landfill-biodegradable bundling wrap to quickly secure and bundle items to avoid damage during transit. It can be recycled or disposed of in the general rubbish bin. Once disposed to landfill biodegradation is accelerated approximately 90+% faster than conventional bundling wrap, producing organic matter (a natural fertiliser) and no microplastics.
• Our plain padded bubble mailers are suitable for kerbside paper collection and recycling.
• All of our satchels are recyclable and made from 80% recycled content plastic.
• All of our envelopes can be recycled.