Carmen and Other Stories

Five of the stories selected here demonstrate Prosper Merimee's ability to explore the contrast between primitive and civilized values. In Mateo Falcone a Corsican's conception of honour forces him to exact a ruthless revenge; The Storming of the Redoubt describes an incident in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign; Tamango depicts a revolt of Negro slaves; The Etruscan Vase is a tale of passionate jealousy set in Paris; The Game of Backgammon is a study in fatal remorse.