Clio by Anatole France (1920)

Name: Clio
Author: Anatole France

"Clio" is a novel written by Anatole France in 1897, which tells the story of a young man named Jacques who becomes obsessed with the ancient Greek historian Clio. Jacques becomes convinced that he is Clio reincarnated and sets out to uncover the secrets of his past lives. As he delves deeper into his own history, Jacques discovers a web of intricate relationships between himself, Clio, and other historical figures. The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of storytelling.

By Anatole France · First published 1920 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Short Stories · 7 chapters · 66,546 words

First lines

Along the hill-side he came, following a path which skirted the sea. His forehead was bare, deeply furrowed and bound by a fillet of red wool. The sea-breeze blew his white locks over his temples and pressed the fleece of a snow-white beard against his chin. His tunic and his feet were the colour of the roads which he had trodden for so many years. A roughly made lyre hung at his side. He was known as the Aged One, and also as the Bard. Yet another name was given him by the children to whom he taught poetry and music, and many called him the Blind One, because his eyes, dim with age, were overhung by swollen lids, reddened by the smoke of the hearths beside which he was wont to sit when he sang. But his was no eternal night, and he was said to see things invisible to other men. For three generations he had been wandering ceaselessly to and fro.

What this Textopian page supports

Clio is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1920 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Anatole France
Date: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Political Fiction, Short Stories, Literary Fiction
Length: 66,546 words
Structure: 7 chapters, 929 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Clio is the name of the goddess of history in Greek mythology. Fits into the Historical Fiction genre because the work includes references to a number of historical figures related to French history and literature.
Political Fiction — Anatole France was known to write about topics of social and political injustices. 'Clio' contains elements of political commentary embedded within its narrative.
Short Stories — The book is a compilation of five short stories that are unrelated in plot but related thematically, placing it in the Short Stories genre.
Literary Fiction — 'Clio' incorporates a poetic and symbolic writing style, which is typical of Literary Fiction. France uses his lyrical prose to explore themes of history, human nature and society.