Gérard de Nerval

Throughout his life, the poet and writer Gerard de Nerval (1808-1855) struggled with bouts of madness, and ended his life wandering homeless on the streets of Paris until he was found hanging from a sewer grating, an apparent suicide. As one of the most individualistic of the colorful French Romantics, the details of Nerval's life have passsd into legend, as writers and commentators have served up any number of versions of his mysterious love affair with the actress Jenny Colon - not to mention his famous habit of walking a lobster on a pale blue leash through the gardens of the Palais Royal. Soon after the completion of his novella Sylvie in 1853, Nerval began, under advice from his doctor, an extended personal journal/essay chronicling his psychic experiences and visions. What emerged from these writings is Aurelia, a masterpiece in the literature of dreams and hallucinations, and one of the most remarkable prose works of nineteenth century French literature.

CONRAD THE GOOD serves as court jester to a most unworthy master: Lord Otto "the Witless," who rarely appreciates jesting and acrobatics and more often rewards his good fool with a good whipping. So one night, Conrad flees, leaving Otto's realm in search of a more enlightened master--taking with him only his noble horse, Blackspur, and his beloved, the servant girl Christa the Fair. As they take to the road, they soon learn that along with their quest comes hardship. But for all the hardships they encounter, there are as many unexpected joys and friends in unexpected places, and there is always their love for one another. And always, their destination lies before them: somewhere, a sanctuary where they'll have the freedom to be together and be themselves.From the Hardcover edition.