Maupassants keenly observed short stories reveal a world of vice and virtue, passions and obsessions. Adultery, prostitution, the Franco-Prussian War, the pleasures of river and countryside, the cunning and greed of the Norman peasantry - these are familiar themes throughout his work, yet they are treated differently each time, producing stories of a dazzling originality. Maupassants keenly observed short stories reveal a world of vice and virtue, passions and obsessions. Adultery, prostitution, the Franco-Prussian War, the pleasures of river and countryside, the cunning and greed of the Norman peasantry - these are familiar themes throughout his work, yet they are treated differently each time, producing stories of a dazzling originality. Boule de Suif , Maupassants earliest triumph, and the opening story in this selection, exposes the smug complacency of a group of travellers towards the prostitute in their midst. The Piece of String and The Devil centre on avarice, while tales of humour such as A Deal and Madame Hussons May King , form a rich contrast to the gentle pathos of Two Friends . Masterly, vividly atmospheric, his stories lay bare the realities of life and confirm his status as one of the greatest and most popular exponents of his art.