Alphonse Daudet was a highly popular nineteenth-century French novelist, whose work radiated humour and good cheer. Describing a life in pain, and the sometimes alarming treatments he underwent, Daudet's journal is unique for its comic zest, lucid self-examination and stoicism.

Alphonse Daudet was a highly popular nineteenth-century French novelist, whose work radiated humour and good cheer. Describing a life in pain, and the sometimes alarming treatments he underwent, Daudet's journal is unique for its comic zest, lucid self-examination and stoicism.