Flaubert in Egypt - Classic Text | Alexandria
Flaubert in Egypt: A Sensual and Literary Journey (1849-1850)
"Flaubert in Egypt" represents a compelling collection of travel writings, letters, and diary entries documenting French novelist Gustave Flaubert's transformative journey through Egypt from 1849 to 1850. The work, assembled posthumously from his correspondence and personal papers, offers an intimate portal into both the mind of one of France's greatest literary figures and the complex cultural landscape of mid-19th century Egypt. Originally written in French as part of his personal correspondence, particularly to his friend Louis Bouilhet and his mother, these writings were later collected and published, providing invaluable insights into the formation of Flaubert's literary aesthetic and his encounters with the Orient.
The journey occurred during a pivotal moment in both Egyptian and European history, as Western tourism to the ancient civilization was beginning to flourish under the reign of Abbas I. Flaubert, accompanied by his friend Maxime Du Camp, embarked on this voyage at age 28, before writing his masterpiece "Madame Bovary." The expedition, funded partially by the French government through Du Camp's photographic commission, allowed Flaubert to experience firsthand the exotic world that had captured European imagination throughout the century.
What distinguishes "Flaubert in Egypt" from conventional 19th-century travel literature is its raw honesty and sensual detail. Flaubert's accounts range from vivid descriptions of archaeological sites and local customs to uninhibited narratives of his personal experiences, including encounters with courtesans and detailed observations of daily life. His writing style in these letters prefigures the objective realism he would later perfect in his novels, while simultaneously revealing a more personal, emotionally engaged voice than his published works typically display.
The text's enduring significance lies in its dual nature as both a historical document and a literary work, offering modern readers insight into 19th-century Orientalism, travel writing, and the development of literary realism. Contemporary scholars continue to mine these writings for their rich cultural commentary and their influence on Flaubert's later works, particularly in their treatment of exotic themes and sensual experience. The text remains a testament to the transformative power of travel on artistic consciousness, raising pertinent questions about cultural interpretation, artistic development, and the complex relationship between East and West that continue to resonate in today's globalized world.