The black & the red, Epic 2 part novel, by Stendahl (nom de plume of Marie-Henri Beyle). As often with novels which survived beyond their place and time of origination, The supposedly specified concerns (French society, between 2 stages) have ended up seeming and maybe being more universally applicable. A young ambitious, talented and promising — but regional and less well-off youth, aspires to move up in both society and also to Paris. Much is done and encountered along the way. Eventually leading to downfall