The White Stone

"The White Stone" by Anatole France is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around a group of French expatriates, exploring themes of friendship, history, and the clash between past grandeur and present decay, set against the backdrop of Rome and its classical ruins. The characters include Joséphin Leclerc, M. Goubin, Nicole Langelier, and others, who engage in discussions about the significance of the historical monuments they encounter and the essence of Roman culture. At the start of the book, the characters gather in the ruins of the Roman Forum, expressing reflections on the historical significance of the surroundings. As they admire the ancient structures, their dialogue delves into various topics, from the architectural beauty of Rome to philosophical musings about the nature of the gods and the evolution of human civilization. Each character contributes to the conversation, revealing their backgrounds and perspectives as they grapple with the complexities of contemporary society versus the ideals of the past. This opening sets the tone for a deeper exploration of historical and cultural themes throughout the novel. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist with several best-sellers. Ironic and skeptical, he was considered in his day the ideal French man of letters. He was a member of the Académie Française, and won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Literature "in recognition of his brilliant literary achievements, characterized as they are by a nobility of style, a profound human sympathy, grace, and a true Gallic temperament".