A man of arms and of letters, Maupassant was a French short-story writer and novelist known for his naturalistic treatment of his subject matter. This book collects 4 short stries of his works: A Portrait, A Recollection, Alexandre and Allouma. And the 4 short stories describe 4 different love stories which happen in 4 different social backgrounds. These stories conjure up reflections and affinity from readers, making the book a masterpiece worth reading.

Maupassant is considered as one of the trendsetters like Somerset Maugham and O. Henry in the field of contemporary short story. He is famous for clever plotting and realistic art in displaying his subject. This book contains four short stories of him: A Portrait, A Recollection, Alexandre and Allouma.

Guy de Maupassant ( 5 August 1850 – 6 July 1893) was a popular French writer, considered one of the fathers of the modern short story and one of the form's finest exponents. Maupassant was a protégé of Flaubert and his stories are characterized by economy of style and efficient, effortless dénouements (outcomes). Many are set during the Franco-Prussian War of the 1870s, describing the futility of war and the innocent civilians who, caught up in events beyond their control, are permanently changed by their experiences. He wrote some 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books, and one volume of verse. His first published story, "Boule de Suif" ("Ball of Fat", 1880), is often considered his masterpiece.