Explore "Armance" by Stendhal on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
To RICHARD ALDINGTON -C. K. S. M.
A woman of character, who has only a vague idea of what constitutes literary merit, has asked my unworthy self to correct the style of this novel. I am far from sharing certain political sentiments which seem to be blended with the narrative; so much I am obliged to explain to the reader. The talented author and I hold opposite views upon many subjects; but we have an equal horror of what are called _applications_. In London we find highly sensational novels: _ Grey, Almack's, High Life, Matilda_ and the like, which require a key. They are very good-natured caricatures of persons whom the accidents of birth or fortune have placed in an enviable position.