Elm-Tree on the Mall

The Elm-Tree on the Mall (original title: L'Orme du mail) is a novel by Anatole France, published in 1897. It is the first book in his Histoire contemporaine (Contemporary History) series, which also includes The Amethyst Ring, Monsieur Bergeret in Paris, and The Wicker Work Woman.
The novel is set in a small provincial town in France and revolves around the life of Monsieur Bergeret, a scholar and intellectual. Through his observations and interactions with the townspeople, the novel explores the social and political tensions of the time, including the Dreyfus Affair, which serves as a backdrop to the story.
France uses his characteristic wit and irony to critique the hypocrisy and absurdities of bourgeois society, while also reflecting on the complexities of human relationships. The Elm-Tree on the Mall is known for its keen social commentary and its exploration of the conflict between personal integrity and societal pressures.