About the book: 2014 / This publication presents in Russian for the first time a complete translation of the famous novel by Jean-Baptiste Louvet de Couvray (1760-1797) “The Love Adventures of the Chevalier de Faublas” (1787-1790), which left a significant mark on both world and Russian classical literature. This is the best work of Louvet de Couvray, which absorbed the spirit of literature of the 18th century and anticipated the emergence of ideals and values ​​that were already characteristic for the XIX century; the author pays tribute to aristocratic gallant culture in both of its guises: sublime and libertine. The novel is marked by a vivid theatricality: the action develops rapidly, as in a classic comedy, and the rapid change of scenes is colored with witty chatter or the experiences of the hero trying to justify his inconstancy. The soubrette, the deceived husband, the charlatan doctor, the faithful servant, the friend-confidant, the wise father, the villain, pass before the reader in a whirlwind of agitated feelings, chance meetings, disguises, enemy intrigues, separations and gains. Thanks to the influence of J.-J. Rousseau's hero Louvet de Couvray, strikingly different from his predecessors, occupies a special place in literature: he is a sentimental seducer, fickle in feelings and reckless in actions, but endowed with a kind heart and capable of sincere repentance. Another story is skillfully woven into the plot of the novel, which sharply contrasts with the secular space of "Phoblas", offering the reader highly moral, ascetic characters, republican ideals, fanatical patriotism, sublime true love, commitment to family values. In the story of Lodoiska, the virtuous daughter of a Polish patriot, there are no playful elements - she brings to the stage martyrs of freedom and victims of strong passions. Thanks to her, a frivolous romance is filled with seriousness and tragedy, and a fun game turns into death and madness. However, despite this, “Faublas” remains, first of all, an example of French wit and sociability, the joy and charm of a carefree life, the fireworks of love adventures and the glorification of the fleeting gift of youth. The story of the writer’s life, contained in this publication, clearly demonstrates how far literature has come from a life in which the same strong feelings and fatal circumstances took place. E.P. Buckwheat. Article, notes E.V. Trynkin. Translation, notes, summary of the novel, main dates of life and work