Sans-Cravate; or, The Messengers; Little Streams

"Sans-Cravate; or, The Messengers; Little Streams" by Paul de Kock is a novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative focuses on a group of young men frequenting the fashionable Boulevard des Italiens in Paris, exploring their interactions with women and the social nuances of Parisian life. Central characters include Albert Vermoncey, a charming and carefree young man, Tobi Pigeonnier, who is a bit more pretentious, and Célestin de Valnoir, who appears cynical and provocative. At the start of the book, the three young men meander through the popular boulevard, engaged in lighthearted banter that reveals their personalities and social dynamics. They comment on the women they see, particularly focusing on Madame Baldimer, a beautiful and flirtatious American woman. The beginning sets the tone for their adventures—filled with humor, flirtation, and a hint of societal critique—as they interact with other characters, such as the flower girl Bastringuette and their messenger friend Sans-Cravate, hinting at the relationships and escapades to unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Paul de Kock was a French novelist. Although one of the most popular writers of his day in terms of book sales, he acquired a literary reputation for low-brow output in poor taste. In 2021 Brad Bigelow wrote: "Today, if we set aside over-priced print on demand reprints of his ancient editions, the works of Paul de Kock haven't seen a new English edition in at least a century."