Poussières de Paris by Jean Lorrain

Poussières de Paris (English: Dust of Paris) is a collection of short stories and chronicles by French writer Jean Lorrain, first published in two volumes in 1896 and 1902. The stories are set in the Belle Époque era of Paris, and capture the city's vibrant and often decadent atmosphere.

Lorrain was a keen observer of Parisian society, and his stories are filled with vivid descriptions of the city's denizens, from high society figures to the working class and the underworld. He is particularly interested in the lives of those who live on the margins of society, such as prostitutes, criminals, and eccentrics.

The stories are written in a variety of styles, from realism to fantasy. Lorrain is a master of the short story form, and his stories are often characterized by their sharp wit, dark humor, and melancholy tone.

Poussières de Paris is a fascinating and evocative portrait of Paris at the turn of the century. It is a must-read for anyone interested in French literature, history, or culture.

Here are some of the themes explored in the stories:

• The beauty and the corruption of Paris
• The lives of those who live on the margins of society
• The search for love and meaning in a world of chaos and despair
• The decadence and fin-de-siècle atmosphere of the Belle Époque

Poussières de Paris has been praised for its vivid writing, its sharp insights into human nature, and its evocative portrayal of Paris. It is considered a classic of French literature.

Some of the most well-known stories in the collection include:

• "La Maison de la Mort" (The House of Death)
• "Le Manuscrit d'un Fou" (The Manuscript of a Madman)
• "En Crime-Condamnés" (Condemned to Crime)
• "Monsieur de Phocas"
• "Madame de Palmyre"

Poussières de Paris has been adapted into several films and television shows. The most famous adaptation is the 1952 French film Monsieur de Phocas, directed by Jacques Becker and starring Pierre Brasseur.