Originally published in 1899, this early work by Octave Mirbeau is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. It contains several sections in different styles dealing with subjects as diverse as French politics and sadism. This is a fascinating work and thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in the decadent fiction of nineteenth century France. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.