The Diary of a Madman

Later made into a film, starring Vincent Price, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is a dark and disturbing short story.

In just three pages, Maupassant introduces us to an upright magistrate who has just condemned a prisoner, Blondel, to death.

Blondel is convicted of prolicide, and the magistrate wants to work out why he’s committed this terrible crime. Through his diary, we see how the idea takes root and becomes something much more sinister...

A gripping read that’s as relevant today as when it was written, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King.



Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.

During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.

The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.