Handsome and ambitious, Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble peasant origins and make something of his life -- by adopting the code of hypocrisy by which his society operates. Julien ultimately commits a crime -- out of...

First published in 1830, "The Red and the Black," is widely considered the masterpiece of 19th century French author Marie-Henri Beyle, known more commonly by his pen name, Stendahl. It follows the ambitions of Julien Sorel,...