The Red and the Black by Stendhal

The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830

By Stendhal

MeBook Edition 3rd
The original book text is unchanged. This edition updates only the Visualible MeBook enhancements.

No subscription required

Includes optional support for persons, places, and terms, plus built-in dictionary lookup and reader suggestions.

    Built-in dictionary lookup Reader suggestions
  • Original text preserved exactly as published
  • Free 20-page preview after sign-in
  • Optional support for people, places, terms, and context
  • Reading flow remains uninterrupted
  • Free future MeBook edition updates
  • Built-in dictionary lookup
  • Reader suggestions

Book Summary

The Red and the Black: A Chronicle of 1830 by Stendhal is a classic French novel that follows the ambitions of a young man from a modest background as he seeks to rise through the rigid social hierarchy of post-Napoleonic France. Set against a backdrop of politics, religion, and class tensions, the story explores themes of ambition, identity, love, and the conflict between personal desire and societal expectations. Through its

Author Biography

Stendhal, pseudonym of Marie-Henri Beyle, was a 19th-century French novelist known for his keen psychological insights. His major works include 'The Red and the Black' and 'The Charterhouse of Parma,' both of which hold a significant place in realist literature.

Why This MeBook Helps

This enhancement for 'The Red and the Black' provides readers with a thorough exploration of the novel's key elements, including a comprehensive breakdown of characters, places, and significant terms. With 93 characters detailed, including seven major figures, readers will gain deeper insights into the motivations and relationships that drive the story forward. The inclusion of a glossary with 508 terms enriches understanding of the historical and cultural contexts, making it easier to fully appreciate Stendhal's work and its commentary on society in 1830. This guide is an invaluable companion for anyone looking to dive deeper into the themes and intricacies of the novel.

  • Track character relationships and motivations
  • Understand historical and cultural references
  • Clarify key terms in context
  • Follow major themes, motifs, and social settings
  • Distinguish real-world and fictional locations

Interested in this title in another context?

Visualible can also be explored for teaching, programs, and publisher evaluation.

For Instructors and ProgramsFor Publishers
MeBook Edition 3rd

The original book text is unchanged. This edition updates only the Visualible MeBook enhancements.

MeBook Edition Enhancements

3rd Edition Enhancements

  • Place Prompts identify all locations mentioned in a book, including cities or fictional places. They capture key details such as the place’s role in the story, important events occurring there, and characters connected to it.

Released: Jun 30, 2026

2nd Edition Enhancements

  • Improves person and character entries for greater clarity and usefulness.
  • Provides more concise descriptions that help readers stay oriented in the story or subject matter.

Released: May 04, 2026

1st Edition Enhancements

  • Introduces Visualible's reader-support layer for this MeBook.
  • Adds optional contextual support for people, places, and terms.
  • Preserves the original book text unchanged.

Released: Mar 24, 2026