The Counterfeiters
The Counterfeiters by André Gide, published by Penguin Books in 1966, is a thought-provoking exploration of perception and value. This edition spans 345 pages and is presented in English. The narrative unfolds as a novel within a novel, focusing on the lives of schoolboys at the Pension Azais, who grapple with corrupting influences both inside and outside the classroom.
Readers will find a complex interplay of characters, including Edouard, an author who reflects on the nature of authenticity and value through the lens of counterfeit coins. The story delves into themes of identity and self-deception, as the boys and their mentors navigate societal expectations and personal truths. Gide’s work invites contemplation on the distinction between reality and perception, making it a significant piece within the realms of fiction and classic literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
This novel within a novel, concerns the relatives and teachers of a group of schoolboys who are subjected to corrupting influences both in and out of the classroom. The boys attend the Pension Azais where some are suspected of having attempted to circulate counterfeit coins. Edouard, an author writing a novel entitled The Counterfeiters, observes that if a counterfeit coin is thought to be authentic, it is accepted as valuable; if it is found to be counterfeit, it is perceived as worthless. Therefore, he concludes, value is wholly a matter of perception and has nothing to do with reality. The counterfeiters are thus representative of those who disguise themselves with false personalities, either in unconscious self-deception or through conscious, hypocritical conformity to convention.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Counterfeiters” about?
Who is the author of “The Counterfeiters”?
When was “The Counterfeiters” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Counterfeiters”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
