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 wa...