how they relate to societal behaviors during the late 18th century, a period marked by decadence and the lead-up to the French Revolution. The content of the book is divided between discussions of Laclos’s life and an in-depth analysis of "Les Liaisons Dangereuses". Boisjoslin and Mossé argue that Laclos, often mischaracterized as an immoral writer, actually served as a moralist, using his novel to expose the corrupting influences of the aristocratic society of his time. The narrative of the novel, which features characters like the manipulative Valmont and the virtuous yet vulnerable Mme de Tourvel, is explored to demonstrate how Laclos critiques social mores through their interactions. The authors highlight the intricate dynamics of seduction and betrayal, suggesting that the novel goes beyond mere entertainment to serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral laxity in an increasingly volatile society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)