Salammbo
by Gustave Flaubert
A historical novel in which historical and fictional characters are intertwined. The action takes place just before and during the mercenary uprising against Carthage in the third century BC. This book, which Flaubert explored extensively, is in many ways an exercise in sensual and violent exoticism. The Carthaginian costumes described in them have left traces even on the fashion of that period. However, despite its classical status in France, today it is practically unknown among English speakers.
