A selection of the political journalism

Best known for his novels and short stories, Guy de Maupassant also contributed over 200 articles to major Parisian newspapers like Le Gaulois, Gil Blas, and Le Figaro during the 1880s. This period saw newspapers inviting prominent literary figures to write, providing them with good pay and prominent positions. As a struggling clerk in a government ministry, Maupassant found journalism to be a vital source of income and a crucial training ground for his literary career. A regular newspaper column allowed him to refine his skills, build a reputation, and gain visibility. Despite being overlooked by critics for years, Maupassant's chroniques offer valuable insights into the society of his time. His writing, characterized by a mix of facetiousness, irony, and polemics, reveals his beliefs, convictions, and prejudices, shedding new light on his literary works. Over a decade, he addressed topics such as art, literature, social issues, and political events, emerging as an informed and perceptive commentator. His independent stance and candid critiques of Republican politicians and French colonial policy highlight his role as a significant voice in the literary and political landscape of his era.