Perhaps contemporary critic James Wood put it best: "Novelists," he wrote, "should thank Flaubert the way poets thank spring." In this episode, Jacke takes a look at the life and major works of Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880), the Frenchman from Rouen who redefined what realism - and prose fiction - could do. Additional listening: For the story of Jacke's trip through Tibet, with Emma Bovary as his trusty companion, try Episode 79 Music That Melts the Stars - Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. To wallow in the muck with Flaubert's birth-year brother, check out Episode 274 Baudelaire and the Flowers of Evil or Episode 352 Charles Baudelaire (with Aaron Poochigian). To distinguish yourself with some of Flaubert's illustrious predecessors, try Episode 390 Victor Hugo, Episode 152 George Sand, or Episode 420 Honoré de Balzac (with Carlos Allende). Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/shop. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at www.thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices