So, you've probably heard of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the 18th-century novel about aristocratic seduction and revenge that feels shockingly modern. This book, Notes sur Laclos et Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Mossé, isn't a sequel or a retelling. Think of it as the essential background research. It peels back the glittering surface of Laclos's story to show you the rotten foundations.

The Story

There isn't a traditional plot here. Instead, Mossé acts as a guide, unpacking the real historical context Laclos was writing in. The book argues that Les Liaisons Dangereuses isn't just a story about nasty people being nasty. It's a precise, almost clinical, portrait of a dying class. Mossé shows how every manipulative letter, every ruined reputation, and every cynical bet is a symptom of a deeper sickness in French aristocracy on the eve of the Revolution. The "story" he tells is the true story of a society so obsessed with games and appearances that it failed to see the guillotine being built.

Why You Should Read It

This book completely changed how I see the original novel. Before, I saw the Marquise de Merteuil as a brilliant villain. Now, I see her as a tragic figure, a product of a system that gave women no real power except through manipulation. Mossé makes you feel the tension in the air—the boredom, the desperation, the sense that all these complex social rules are about to become meaningless. It turns a chilling love story into a political thriller. You start reading the original book's letters not just for the drama, but for the clues about a world collapsing. It’s a masterclass in how history and fiction talk to each other.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone who loves Les Liaisons Dangereuses (in any of its forms—the book, the plays, the movies). It's perfect for readers who enjoy historical nonfiction that reads like a detective story, connecting art to its time. If you're a fan of authors like Hilary Mantel who make the past feel immediate, you'll appreciate Mossé's work. Fair warning: it's a scholarly text, so it's dense with ideas, but it's written with a clear passion for the subject. Don't go in expecting a novel. Go in expecting the key that unlocks a deeper, richer understanding of one.