"Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an 18th-century epistolary novel exploring manipulation, seduction, and moral corruption among the French aristocracy.

The story unfolds through letters exchanged between the cunning Marquise de Merteuil and the notorious Vicomte de Valmont, former lovers who conspire to corrupt others for amusement and revenge. Their main targets include the virtuous Madame de Tourvel, whom Valmont seeks to seduce, and the innocent young Cécile de Volanges, whom Merteuil wishes to ruin. As their schemes progress, Valmont unexpectedly falls in love with Tourvel, leading to betrayal, jealousy, and tragedy.

The intricate web of deceit ultimately unravels, exposing the characters' hypocrisy and moral decay. Laclos's novel serves as both a scandalous tale of passion and a sharp critique of aristocratic decadence.

A shocking and scandalous novel when it first appeared in print, "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" has gone on to become classic of French literature and has been adapted numerous times for the stage and screen. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format, as translated by Ernest Dowson.