Georges Duroy returns to Paris from military service in Algeria penniless. After meeting up with an old friend, he finds journalism work at a renowned newspaper. He gradually climbs the ranks to chief-editor—but all this time, he hasn’t been using his wit as a writer, but rather the clever manipulation of the women around him, to get ahead.

Bel Ami is Guy de Maupassant’s second novel. It was first published in 1885 and was an instant success, with fifty more editions appearing in the following two years. This translation by Vizetelly & Co. was published in 1888. Bel Ami shows the rampant corruption prevalent in 19th century French high society.