Jean-Christophe BY Romain Rolland

Jean-Christophe
Author: Romain Rolland
Publisher: The Modern Library
Edition: 1913
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 503
Size: 5.5 inch x 8.5 inch

Jean-Christophe, written by Nobel Laureate Romain Rolland and first published in English in this 1913 Modern Library edition, stands as a monumental work in world literature. Spanning over 500 pages in a finely bound 5.5 x 8.5 inch hardcover, the novel blends autobiographical depth, philosophical reflection, and historical commentary into the life story of its titular character—Jean-Christophe Krafft, a gifted but tormented German musician.

Rolland constructs the novel as a sweeping Bildungsroman, chronicling Christophe’s journey from his boyhood in Germany, through artistic struggle and exile, to personal and spiritual awakening in France. The book is both intensely personal and vastly political, depicting European society on the brink of transformation, shaped by nationalism, war, and the search for cultural unity. Through Christophe’s relationships, ideals, and internal turmoil, Rolland paints a portrait of the artist as a figure in resistance—resistance against conformity, corruption, and mediocrity.

One of the defining features of Jean-Christophe is its musical structure. Just as a symphony builds with emotion and complexity, Rolland composes his narrative in movements, each chapter reflecting a rhythm of personal growth and philosophical revelation. The novel does not merely recount a life; it meditates on the human condition, the power of music, the purpose of art, and the enduring search for truth and justice in a turbulent world.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915 for this very work, Rolland’s masterpiece transcends its time. It remains a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven storytelling, historical introspection, and the philosophical quest for meaning. Whether read as a personal saga, a cultural chronicle, or a moral call to action, Jean-Christophe continues to inspire readers with its richness, sincerity, and emotional intensity.

• Masterwork of Musical Fiction: Explores the emotional, moral, and creative life of a musician shaped by love, loss, and idealism.

• Philosophical Depth: Interweaves art, politics, and humanism in a story that resonates with timeless relevance.

• Historical Insight: A vivid portrayal of early 20th-century European cultural and political tensions.

• Award-Winning Legacy: Earned Romain Rolland the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915.

• Elegant Edition: Sturdy 1913 Modern Library hardcover with 503 pages of enduring literary richness.

• Character-Driven Epic: Perfect for readers who love deeply psychological, artistically intense novels.