The evolution of the French Courtesan Novel: From de Chabrillan to Colette

Abstract

'Sullivan's outstanding book is the first to show how French courtesans were fully-fledged masters of the pen as well as proverbial ladies of the night. We learn how their rewriting of classics such as The Lady of the Camellias and their response to a male "backlash" inspire Colette in previously unseen ways.' - Nicholas White, University of Cambridge, UK.