The Forbidden Best-Sellers of Pre-Revolutionary France - by Robert Darnton (Paperback)

The Forbidden Best-Sellers of Pre-Revolutionary France is a groundbreaking book that uncovers the hidden literary underground of 18th century France, revealing the pulp fiction that was banned by the authorities but widely read by the public.

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the private literature of the time, shedding light on the reciprocal relationship between private literature and the public world, the spread of Enlightenment thought, and the influence of not-so-famous authors on the fall of the French aristocracy.

With excerpts from three of these works translated by the author himself, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of literature, culture, and politics in 18th century France.