Pages from the Goncourt Journals

The Goncourt Journals provide an unparalleled look into Parisian life during the second half of the nineteenth century. This literary masterpiece chronicles an era, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of brothers Edmond and Jules de Goncourt and their nascent modern sensibility. They explore diverse settings, from brothels to imperial receptions, engaging in sharp discussions about art and politics and trading gossip with contemporaries like Hugo and Zola. The journal also captures profound personal moments, including Edmond's vigil as his brother dies from syphilis, a record he continued for two more decades.