This compelling portrait of obsessive love is drawn against the backdrop of ancient Carthage after a fierce battle. It is the story of the beautiful high priestess Salambo, who beguiles the leader of the invading army and sets in motion a horrific tragedy. Stylistically, it is one of Flauberts more colorful and romantic ventures.

Gustave Flaubert(18211880) was a great French novelist. A leader in the Realist school of literature, he is known for his exacting writing style, which greatly influenced many twentieth-century writers. He is best known for his first published work,Madame Bovary, which prompted a legal prosecution on the grounds of immoralityboth Flaubert and his publisher were acquitted.