An extensively revised "Backgrounds and Contexts" section provides
geographical and political insights into mid-nineteenth century France
and places the novel in the context of contemporary authors and works. A
map of 1830s France, political and literary chronologies, an account of
the trial of Antoine Berthet, and related writings by Stendhal, Paul
Valéry, and Jules Janin are included.
"Criticism" collects nine essays, seven of which are new to this
edition, by Erich Auerbach, René Girard, Victor Brombert, Shoshana
Felman, Peter Brooks, Sandy Petrey, Alison Finch, Lisa G. Algazi, and
Susanna Lee.
A Chronology of Stendhal's life and work, also new to the Second
Edition, and an updated Selected Bibliography are included.