Across Europe, a novelist named Paul de Kock once captivated readers. Here we are on Rue Paul de Kock. Let’s delve into the story of this controversial yet popular figure.
Paul de Kock was born in Paris in 1793. He rarely left the city. He spent most of his days writing at his house on the Boulevard St. Martin.
De Kock’s books were devoured by many. But some critics considered his work “bad literature”. William Thackeray noted that while Paul de Kock was well-known in England, French educated gentlemen found him “pitoyable”. Ralph Waldo Emerson admitted to reading one of de Kock’s stories but wouldn’t lend it.
Despite the mixed reviews, de Kock achieved immense popularity. By 1830, he surpassed even Balzac in book sales. Théophile Gautier observed that everyone read him. Statesmen, commercial travelers, schoolboys, great ladies and grisettes all enjoyed his novels. His knowledge of Parisian life resonated with readers. Gautier said he shared their ideas, opinions, prejudices, and feelings.
His novels often explored Parisian life with a blend of humor and observation. One of his works, “Scenes of Parisian Life”, described the life he observed from his window. He wrote about an elderly couple promenading. M. Mollet wore multiple layers of clothing. He struggled to get his handkerchief out.
De Kock’s stories were known for their comedic elements. French critic Jacques Migozzi described his style as using mistakes, surprises, and burlesque episodes to spice up his narratives. John Sanderson noted that reading Paul de Kock was a great way to laugh through a wet day.
His stories often contained slapstick humor. Yet, they usually ended on a moral note. They reinforced good bourgeois values.
By the time of his death in 1871, his reputation had begun to wane. Gautier suggested that de Kock had inadvertently become a historical novelist. His works described a civilization that was disappearing.
Ironically, his novels gained traction outside France around the same time. Publishers tweaked his titles to play up their suggestiveness. “Gustave, ou le mauvais sujet” became “That Rascal Gustave”.
Today, Paul de Kock’s works are rarely found in new English editions. However, his impact on 19th-century literature and Parisian life remains noteworthy. While standing here on Rue Paul de Kock, remember the writer who once amused and scandalized readers across Europe. His stories offer a glimpse into a bygone era of Parisian society.