4Bel Ami - Guy de Maupassant's classic tale of manipulation and ambition - is published here anew in a superbly presented edition.

In this story, we follow Georges Duroy as he rises in station from a lowly ranked officer to one of the most wealthy and respected figures in Parisian society. The crafty protagonist attains his success by manipulating a series of wealthy and influential mistresses, coming into contact with each via his new job as a journalist.

Published in 1885, this novel sees Georges gradually attain influence via strategic marrying and infidelity. A notable turning point in the plot is when we see Georges sign his articles as 'Du Roy' - an aristocratic style of French name - rather than his actual surname which is simply 'Duroy'. Georges matures as a cunning social climber with a keen eye for the preferences and predilections of the French upper classes, deftly winging his way to a position of power.

Since its original release, Bel Ami has had several adaptations for the silver screen, television and radio, and is today considered a classic of French fiction.