Scenes of Bohemian Life

Henry Murgerwas a nineteenth-century French writer whose Scènes de la vie de bohème launched an idea of bohemian life that has influenced cultures ever since.Robert Holton, the translator/editor, is Emeritus Professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. He has taught literature for many years, including courses in bohemian cultures.

• INTRODUCTION; 1. How the Bohemian Society Was Established; 2. A Gift from the Gods; 3. Love at Lent; 4. Ali-Rodolphe, or A Turk by Necessity; 5. Charlemagne’s Coin; 6. Mademoiselle Musette; 7. The Sands of Pactolus; 8. What Five Francs Cost; 9. Polar Violets; 10. The Cape of Storms; 11. A Bohemian Café; 12. A Reception in Bohemia; 13. The Housewarming Party; 14. Mademoiselle Mimi; 15. Donec Gratus; 16. The Passage of the Red Sea; 17. The Graces Adorned; 18. Francine’s Muff; 19. Musette’s Whims; 20. Mimi’s Fine Feathers; 21. Romeo and Juliet; 22. Epilogue to Love; 23. Only Young Once; Appendix: Murger’s Preface; Index

Henry Murger’s tales of bohemian life – in Robert Holton’s lively new translation – continue to fascinate and to resonate. The haphazard, hand-to-mouth existence of Murger’s bohemians, their vanities, their shifts and dodges, their amours, their self-deceptions, their wiles, their wit, their ever-fluctuating fortunes make for very agreeable and entertaining reading. The thoughtful introduction and informed annotations by Holton to Murger’s text are a most welcome added benefit. Warmly to be recommended. —Dr. Gregory Stephenson Associate professor emeritus at the University of Copenhagen. Author of the book "The Daybreak Boys: Essays on the Literature of the Beat Generation".