Browsing the author M uploads here I came across Carmen by Prosper Mérimée. Great story and this reminded me of the other wonderful stories in the volume I read about thirty years ago; the book in question being quite old at even that time. So I had a look around and found what I am certain was the very book available at Google Books in public domain. The source material was in terrible shape, and since as stated Carmen has already been placed here, I confined by efforts to the remaining three short stories. So what we have here are:


The Taking of the Redoubt The account of the first exposure to the horrors of battle for a young recruit in the French army. Set during the war between Napoleon and Russia.

Mateo Falcone The account of a Corsican father who carries the concept of family honor to an extreme, nay insane end.

The Venus of Ille A spooky tale that warns what the tragic consequences can be for any man who dares toy with the affections of an enchanted statue.

Great stuff here, so enjoy it!

About version 2.

So for version 2 make that four stories by Prosper Mérimée (now including Carmen). Retitled as Carmen and Other Tales. Colomba is long, so I'll upload it separately later when complete.

Side discussion; same topic alternate form of entertainment.. If you ever get the chance to see the opera Carmen you should seize the chance. Since few will have the opportunity to attend a live performance of the opera anytime soon there is the high production film version starring Plácido Domingo (for star power) as Don José —it's available on DVD.

There is also this film version, with the setting updated to modern times. Not a bad movie at all, but the main reason I mention it is that the lead female IS Carmen, IMO. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085297/

So anyway to hear a talented soprano in the role of Carmen sing Seguidilla—guaranteed goose bumps.

As always, I am ready to correct any errors encountered.


version 3. Fixed a few typos. Thanks due to member AlexBell for bringing these to my attention.