Release date is 2006-02-22

Préface -- L'Abbé Hardy et Lucille Gautier -- Le 20 juin 1792 -- Le 11 août 1792 -- La Place Dauphine -- Mademoiselle de Sombreuil -- La maison de Marat -- La rotonde du temple -- L'Hôtel Chantereine -- Les autographes -- Charles Nodier et sa jeunesse -- Les cimetières parisiens -- Moreau de Jonnès -- Champigny -- Saint-Cloud -- Paris après la commune -- L'Hôtel de Ville -- De Germinal à Prairial -- La fête mortuaire d'Alexandre Dumas -- Versailles -- La dernier fantôme.

Produced by Carlo Traverso, Renald Levesque and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica))

"Ruines et fantômes" by Jules Claretie is a historical narrative written in the late 19th century. The text explores the interplay of memories and the remnants of the past, particularly focusing on the "ruins" of human experiences and aspirations alongside the "ghosts" of lost loves and friendships. The narrative primarily centers around the character of Jacques Hardy and his tumultuous life marked by love, betrayal, and tragedy. The beginning of "Ruines et fantômes" introduces the concept of the inevitable decay of life and relationships, illustrated through Hardy's reflection on his own past and that of his contemporaries. It sets the stage by presenting a vivid and melancholic examination of human experience as one grapples with memories, loss, and the passage of time. Through Hardy's encounters and historical references, the narrative hints at deeper themes of justice, morality, and the complexity of human nature—particularly regarding his involvement in a notorious crime that shaped his life and legacy. This opening effectively prepares the reader for a profound exploration of the interplay between history and personal experience, inviting them to explore the emotional landscape of Claretie's Paris. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Original publication data not identified