Written in 1896, this book is part three of four, and contains introduction, life and notes. LeSage, French novelist and dramatist, whose masterpiece, Gil Blas de Santillane is a rambling story in the style of Spanish picaresque romances, though unlike them in conception. It is instead strongly realistic, especially in its incidents; exact description of exterior and physical appearance suffices to show character and to imply moral judgement. Gil Blas was a major influence in the development of the realistic novel. The hero’s adventures are described from naive youth, through cunning servant, to landed proprietor, and nobleman - with a spell in jail, bereavements and fits of remorse along the way.