description: Manon Lescaut by the Abbe Prevost was a controversial novel originally banned in France due to its scandalous content -- the passionate and unrepentant sensual relationship of a young nobleman and a beautiful courtesan. The young chevalier des Grieux renounces his riches and his noble family to be with the incomparable Manon. Together they are swept into poverty, misfortunes, and ultimately, tragedy in the New World.This love story has been immortalized in opera. And, as with other grand romances of history and literature, Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Tristan and Iseult, the passion of these young fierce lovers captures the imagination and sympathies of the reader.
language: English
title: Manon Lescaut
titlecomplete: Manon Lescaut
characters: Manon Lescaut, Chevalier des Grieux
genres: Fiction, French Literature, Classics, France, 18th Century, Historical Fiction, Romance, Literature, Novels, School
ratings_count: 12287
places: Paris
publisher: Signet Classics