The inspiration for PucciniÕs great opera La Boh�me, Henri MurgerÕs episodic story of the bohemians of mid-19th century Paris is a lively, eccentric and amusing narrative Ð it is presented here with the original 33 drawings.
Less a novel and more a series of entertaining encounters, MurgerÕs work constructs a picture of artistic community and madcap association Ð aspiring painters, musicians and writers, all with strange stories to tell. Though struggling with poverty, the bohemians are blessed with occasional good fortune; eccentric but monied clients, or jobs landed by sheer luck and opportunistic panache.
More than this however is the abiding theme of bonhomie between the young associates; all share the same dream Ð recognition and money for their creative endeavours Ð and are bound together by their place of meeting and low social standing. The cafŽ where the group gather to socialize serves as the genesis for several plotlines; here the protagonists commiserate and collaborate in equal measure.