Boasting one of Western culture's oldest and richest literary traditions, French literature has long been a pioneer of style and innovation. From the farcical comedies of Molière to the torment of Baudelaire's verse, it has inspired writers and artists everywhere throughout the ages. This comprehensive Beginner's Guide explores how the literary styles of different periods took shape and shows what we can gain from reading classic and modern French works through translations and explanations of noteworthy extracts from celebrated writers.