The White House (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XII)

"The White House" by Paul de Kock is a novel written in the early 19th century. Set against the backdrop of Parisian society, the story revolves around the life of a government clerk named Robineau. The plot explores themes of social status, romance, and the comedic misadventures of its characters through their interactions at a lavish reception hosted by the affluent Baron de Marcey. The opening of the novel introduces us to Robineau as he navigates his mundane life as a clerk while yearning for social advancement and romance. He encounters two wealthy acquaintances in the Palais-Royal garden, Alfred and Edouard, who invite him to a grand reception at the baron's residence. Despite his self-deprecating humor and jealousy over his friends' wealth, Robineau struggles with his own lack of fortunes, especially as he prepares for the social event amid thoughts of his love interest, a milliner named Fifine. The introduction sets the stage for Robineau's hopes and aspirations, depicting a blend of lighthearted banter and the underlying social commentary of the era. (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."