Author: Guigone Rolland

1Pierre and Luce

By Romain Rolland

Pierre and Luce were an unlikely young pair who found themselves in the chaos of Paris during the war; Pierre, the shy, recently conscripted pacifist, and Luce, the free spirited artist in training, and both confused about the things going on around them. Why were these war birds flying overhead? Why these warning sirens, and occasional bombs exploding in the distance? Why did the government leaders, who didn't even know one another, hate and destroy so much? Why did these two delicate young adults find each other now? This story takes place between Jan. 30 and Good Friday, May 29, 1918. (Introduction by Roger Melin)

2Jean-Christophe, Volume I

By Romain Rolland

The central character, Jean-Christophe Krafft, is a German musician of Belgian extraction, a composer of genius whose life is depicted from cradle to grave. He undergoes great hardships and spiritual struggles, balancing his pride in his own talents with the necessity of earning a living and taking care of those around him. Tormented by injustices against his friends, forced to flee on several occasions as a result of his brushes with authority and his own conscience, he finally finds peace in a remote corner of Switzerland before returning in triumph to Paris a decade later. Summary from Wikipedia.

3Jean-Christophe In Paris

By Romain Rolland

After fleeing to Paris, Jean-Christophe finds himself in great financial difficulty and takes up music teaching in wealthy families. As for his career as a composer, his naiveté brings him quite a few setbacks and attracts much bitter criticism, but his music is nonetheless increasingly praised. He also finds himself a true friend, whose friendship remains a strong pillar of support as our hero goes through one trial of life after another. - Summary by Cao Yuqing

4Handel

By Romain Rolland

As Romain Rolland indicates in the preface, this book is a brief sketch of the life and technique of Handel. He provides biographical background and addresses the operas, oratorios, clavier compositions, chamber music, and orchestral compositions. Images of musical examples mentioned by Rolland can be found in the printed text. The text also includes a list of Handel's works organized by category and chronology. (Summary by mkirkpat)

5Jean-Christophe Journey's End

By Romain Rolland

Just when Christophe's work starts to receive the recognition it deserves, he is again presented with many challenges in his career and love life. Circumstances drive him from Paris, his second home, to Switzerland, where he survives an existential crisis. Ten years down the line, much of his "problematic" past has been forgotten in Germany and France. Despite the pressures of his new-found fame, he remains true to his philosophy and ever-evolving style till the day he passes away. - Summary by Cao Yuqing