La Regenta

La Regenta was published in two volumes in 1884 and 1885 and, in the words of its author, "was written as single individual pieces that I was writing as I was sending" to the editor. It is one of the best Spanish novels of the 19th century due to the psychological complexity of the characters and their social and personal conflicts. Though its central theme is adultery, this conflict is contrary to the customs, history, and values of Vetusta, an imaginary city. This is the first volume.