Gustave FlaubertGustave Flaubert was a French author who lived from December 12, 1821, to May 8, 1880. People in his country and around the world have said that he is the best example of literary realism. The literary theorist Kornelije Kvas says, "In Flaubert, realsm strives for formal perfection, so the presentation of reality tends to be neutral, emphasising the values and importance of style as an objective way to present reality." He is best known for his first book, Madame Bovary (1857), his collection of letters, Correspondence, and his strict attention to style and beauty. Flaubert was a teacher to the well-known short story writer Guy de Maupassant. Flaubert finished the first draught of The Temptation of Saint Anthony in September 1849. Over the course of four days, he read the book out loud to Louis Bouilhet and Maxime Du Camp. He didn't let them talk or interrupt. At the end of the reading, his friends told him to burn the manuscript and told him to write about real life instead of fantastic things. The government sued the publisher and the author for being immoral. The case was heard the following year, but both were found not guilty. When Madame Bovary came out as a book, it was very well received.  Read More Read Less